Forensic specialist Mario Scerri told the court on Thursday Fawaz Najem died from a violent death, succumbing to 1.9cm wide stab wounds puncturing the heart.

The sitting started off with jurors asking Inspector Josef Gauci questions about the weapon used, whereby in particular, one juror asked if a search was conducted in the sea, in which the inspector replied in the negative.

Moreover, when asked the specific places where the search was conducted, the inspector explained that searches were conducted in the 'Maria' residence, the garage adjacent Aljasem's home, as well as the BMW belonging to one of the victim's friends, but no other search was conducted in other homes

Forensic expert Mario Scerri took the stand, stating he was tasked by the duty magistrate at the time to investigate the unnatural death of Fawaz Najem.

"His death was not a natural one, but a violent one", said the expert.

Injuries sustained by the accused

Scerri testified he examined Aljasem at around 10am on the day following the incident. He noted that there were no fresh injuries to the face, but identified a laceration to the left occipital region of the head, which could have been caused either by a blow or by the head striking a hard surface.

Additional injuries included bruising and abrasions on the back and shoulders, as well as marks consistent with a bite. The expert explained that these injuries were caused by blunt force trauma rather than a sharp object.

He distinguished between different types of wounds, noting that lacerations typically have irregular margins, while incised wounds are clean-cut. He added that stab wounds are deeper than they are wide and are caused by sharp, pointed instruments.

Examination of the victim

Describing the condition of the victim's body, Scerri said Najem was found lying on his back with his head turned to one side. He was partially clothed, and his hands and limbs showed signs of injury.

The expert identified multiple lesions, including abrasions on the neck and hands, which he said could be consistent with physical restraint. He noted that the presence of finger marks on the neck suggested that the victim may have been grabbed.

The fatal injuries were stab wounds to the left side of the chest, measuring approximately 1.9cm in width. Scerri described the wounds as V-shaped, indicating they were inflicted by a sharp instrument with a single cutting edge.

He explained that the nature of the wounds suggested a 'rocking effect"; meaning the blade may have entered and exited at different angles, possibly due to movement by either the victim or the aggressor.

Further bruising was observed on the victim's limbs, particularly on the arms and hands, consistent with defensive injuries.

Moreover, Scerri pressed on the fact that Najem cause of death was that of hypovolemic shock, when a person loses an excessive amount of blood that the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood around the body, caused by blood loss from the stab wounds.

Scerri emphasised that in cases of violent death, every contact leaves a trace.

He concluded that the injuries sustained by Najem, particularly the stab wound to the chest, were consistent with a fatal assault involving a sharp, pointed weapon.