Day two of testimony in Kassotis murder trial

LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Day two in the Nicholas Kassotis trial focused on blood spatter found inside his home.

Kassotis is on trial for the death and dismemberment of his second wife, Mindi Mebane Kassotis.

On Wednesday, Kassotis’ attorneys argued the blood could be attributed to menstrual bleeding due to inconclusive on-sight tests.

Once medical examiner Keith Lehman took the stand however, the focus shifted to the irregularities found on Mindi’s body.

Lehman pointed out numerous irregularities found during his autopsy report, including lacerations on her arms and back, “defensive injuries” on her hand and forearm, and more. One of the main points of focus for the state regarded specific cuts to her bones.

“An attempt to cut into the bone but not a successful attempt…to relate it to decomposition," said Lehman.

The medical examiner also discussed injuries to the head and how they tried to find out when exactly Mindi died.

Identifying Mendi’s Body

Testimony was heard in court from members of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

They revealed how they identified Mindi’s body.

It was a new process called genetic genealogy which matched her with her mom’s DNA.

The court also heard testimony from both a car dealer whom Kassotis purchased a vehicle in cash from and a public worker who spotted the same make and model car traveling to and from the hunting club where Mindi’s remains were found.

The longest questioning of the day was of medical examiner Keith Lehman.

He shared details surrounding the challenges in identifying Mindi’s remains.

“There’s discoloration there that’s a result of post mortem decomposition there’s fly larvae on the body here on this leg as well.”

Lehman said the insects can help determine things like time of death.