UPDATE: Two more witnesses testify in former airman trial

In a packed courtroom Thursday morning, two medical experts took the stand in the case versus former airman Justin Corbett.

Corbett is on trial and facing charges of first degree murder by abuse or neglect and for recklessly causing the death of a child. He was reportedly watching a 21-month-old boy, Evan Dudley, in November 2012. The child’s mother, a fellow Dover Air Force airman, was deployed at the time. 

Corbett’s defense team claims Dudley fell down a flight of stairs to his death; however both experts testified Dudley’s injuries were not consistent to an accidental fall.

The first witness, a forensic pathologist from New York, says he believes Dudley’s death was caused by a “closed head injury”.

During the testimony, more details of injuries allegedly sustained by Dudley emerged. This included nine bruises near the toddler’s face and head, seven intrusions of the deep scalp, and significant brain swelling.

These injuries, according to the expert, could not be explained by falling down a staircase.

When questioned by Corbett’s defense team, the medical examiner admitted similar injuries could occur accidentally; however, fatalities from children falling down stair cases were extremely rare.

Dr. Cindy Christian, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia (“CHOP”) for 31 years and chair of the committee on child abuse and neglect through the American Academy of Pediatrics, also took the stand Thursday.

During her testimony, Dr. Christian told the courtroom children fall all the time and “absolutely nothing” happens to them. She says 98% of children who are taken to hospitals are discharged. The few percent are generally treated for concussions or fractures

In reviewing Dudley’s case, she says there were multiple signs of impact to his head.

The defense had no questions for Dr. Christian.

Court is expected to reconvene July 25 at 9 a.m. with the final witness.