Medical examiner explains Derrick Combs’ four gunshot wounds

KENT CO. Del. – The court heard perhaps the most anticipated testimony in Rodney West’s murder trial on Wednesday.

Almost a dozen witnesses have testified during the first three days of Rodney West’s murder trial. West is accused of shooting Derrick Combs four times on August 28th, 2018 at Towne Point Elementary School.

Arguably the most visual and graphic testimony came from the medical examiner on Wednesday. She performed the autopsy on Derrick Combs the day after he was shot. Diagrams and pictures of Combs’ exact injuries were projected onto a wall in court as his family and West’s family watched. West, however, seemed to avoid looking at the photos of his victim.

The medical examiner was able to describe the wounds to the head, chest and the two to the abdomen. She says the shots to the head, chest and one of the shots to the abdomen had the potential to kill Combs, alone. But she was not able to determine what order Combs received those injuries.

The state plans to rest its case Thursday afternoon. The defense will continue on Monday. Rodney West is expected to take the stand at some point.

Rodney West is facing two charges: first degree murder and possession of a firearm during commission of felony. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges. The judge expects the trial to last 10 days.

For coverage on day two of the trial: click here.

For coverage of day one of the trial: click here.