Expert Testifies In Damages Phase Of Salvation Army Collapse Case
by Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An expert witness called by plaintiffs' lawyers in the deadly Salvation Army Thrift Store collapse case described how one victim suffered for hours, underneath sheet metal and bricks.
Six people died and 13-were hurt in the 2013 disaster.
When forensic pathologist Dr. Wayne Ross took the stand to testify about how one of the victims died in the rubble, the family of 75-year old Juanita Harmon, who were in the front row, all filed out.
He recommended that they leave the courtroom because of his graphic testimony on how Mrs. Harom "suffered for hours." Her body was located 10 1/2 hours after the sudden collapse.
Dr. Ross testified, based on photos from the collapse scene, medical reports, and depositions, she died of "complications of traumatic neck injury 6-8 hours" after the collapse.
He said "her spinal cord was compromised," but she was in an "angel pocket," and was "conscious for hours."
Dr. Ross, who describes himself as a "medical detective," has performed more than 11,000 autopsies in his nearly 30-year career.
Mrs. Harmon, a retired secretary, had gone to the thrift store at 22nd and Market Streets to buy items for her grandchildren on "Family Day," a sale on the first Wednesday of every month.
Jurors looked at large screen photos from the debris field at the collapse scene, but when it came time to view morgue images of the victim, they were put in individual envelopes for the 12 members on the panel.
Judge Teresa Sarmina advised jurors "you could view them if it helps, or not."
