“Battle of the coroners” in the Pispirigou trial – cause of death uncertain Iris

by time news

In​ a “battle of medical examiners”, who ⁢are asked with their special knowledge to help judges and juries issue their verdict leading‍ to ⁤the guilt or innocence of Roula Pispirigou, who is sitting on the bench of the ‌Mixed Jury​ Court of Athens, whose ‍judgment the this​ time on the death of her two youngest children, ​Malena‌ and Iris.

On ⁤the witness⁤ stand today was the head ​of the forensic service of Patras, ⁤Angelikis Tsiola, who drafted the forensic report on the death​ of 6-month-old Iris Daskalakis, identifying as the cause⁤ of death the agenesis of a sinus node.

During today’s⁤ proceedings, the court accepted the request of the defense to present perhaps the most important piece of evidence for this part of the case, which is not from⁣ the “rag” allegedly used by the‌ accused Roula Pispirigou ⁤to obstruct a⁣ baby’s airways.

“I propose to produce the rag ‌allegedly used by the defendant to block the child’s airways,” ‍said​ the‌ district attorney, as the ⁣court finally⁤ accepted the relevant⁤ request.

Beginning her narrative, the witness described:

“It ⁢was March 2021, Sunday, that I ⁢received a phone call from Karamandanio about a dead infant and they told me ​the time of death. The Police Department⁣ then informed me verbally that​ there is a sudden death. On Monday, a day ‍later, I ⁢was informed that the signage for photography of ⁣the place is gone. They informed me that the parents had taken a bib of the child, the famous cloth, to the police station on​ Sunday night, which was then sent to our ⁤service. I started the utopia ⁤there,” said the witness.

Afterwards, the witness, answering‍ questions about the conversation she had with the child’s parents, Manos Daskalakis and Roula Pispirigou, said: “They told me that they had a 3.5-year-old child ⁤who passed away, that ⁢an⁤ autopsy was performed . They expressed their displeasure to me and that‌ they had filed a lawsuit ⁢against ⁤everyone responsible. I was told​ Malena’s cause of death was liver failure. They were particularly ⁣concerned and told me about ⁢some delays ⁢in⁣ information, but I don’t‌ remember telling you.”

Referring to how it was concluded that sinus node agenesis was the cause ⁣of death, Ms Tsiola said it arose from the histopathology report.‍ “The pathologist Antigoni Mitselos told me that she ‌found the cause of death. She told me that they don’t often⁢ do this, but she herself performed a procedure and determined that the cause‍ of death was sinus agenesis-hypoplasia.”

Mrs Tsiola also testified that if she had⁢ the information that had come to light, she would have requested a new pathology examination. “I would request a reassessment at a specialist centre. It must be established whether the sinus was there after all. I would also request an examination by another pathologist.”

  • Chairman: You are on the fact that the child looks perfect, the⁢ pediatric checkup is⁢ good and genetic ⁣testing does ⁣not find‌ anything consistent with sinus agenesis, with these data today what cause of death would you give?
  • witness: Uncertain⁤ cause of death.
  • Chairman:⁣ In the questioning you answered asthma, what changed?
  • witness: Then I was committed to ⁣the second pathogoloanatomist Eftychiadis, as I was committed to​ Mitselos.
  • Chairman: That⁢ is, even if you do not understand how you take it?
  • witness: The pathologist reached an ⁢official diagnosis, how can I dispute it?

The trial continues to examine Mrs Tsiola.

Latest News

Interview between ⁤the Time.news Editor and ⁢Forensic Expert Dr. Tsiola

Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Angeliki Tsiola! Thank you for joining us today. Given ‍the gravity of the case surrounding Roula Pispirigou, your ​insights as the head of the⁢ forensic service in Patras are‌ invaluable.​ Can you tell us about the specifics of Iris Daskalakis’ case​ that you presented in court?

Dr. ⁢Tsiola: Thank you for having me. In the case of Iris‌ Daskalakis, my ⁢forensic report concluded that the cause of death was ⁤the ⁤agenesis of the sinus node. This is a‌ rare cardiac anomaly where the heart’s natural pacemaker is either absent or not functioning, which can ⁢lead to fatal arrhythmias.

TNE: That’s quite serious. How ⁢did you first come⁤ to investigate Iris’s death?

Dr. ⁤Tsiola: ⁢ I received a phone call in March 2021 from Karamandanio regarding the ​sudden death of an infant. The police informed me that they were⁣ dealing with a case of unexpected death. The following day, I learned some forensic ‍details were compromised as key evidence at the ​scene ​of death had ⁣been removed. The parents brought a bib, which they believed to be related to the incident, to the ⁣police station.

TNE: ⁣ It sounds like there were some challenges from the very‌ beginning. What were your immediate thoughts as you started this investigation?

Dr. Tsiola: ‍ It was‌ certainly concerning. Sudden infant deaths often ⁣leave families in shock, and it’s crucial to conduct⁤ thorough‍ examinations.‌ During my discussions with the parents, ‍they⁤ mentioned⁣ the loss of their 3.5-year-old child, Malena, and shared ⁢their frustrations⁣ regarding the medical responses ⁤they received ⁣after these ​tragic ‍events. ​It was clear ​they ⁣were in distress.

TNE: You mentioned conducting an autopsy. Could you explain​ its importance in cases like Iris’s?

Dr. Tsiola: Absolutely. An autopsy​ plays a critical role in determining the cause of death,⁢ especially in cases of sudden death‌ in otherwise healthy ‌infants. It can provide necessary evidence to identify whether there was a medical condition, potential neglect, or foul play involved.

TNE: There’s been a lot of attention regarding⁢ the so-called “rag” ‌allegedly used to obstruct Iris’s airways.‌ How did this piece of evidence become pivotal in your investigation?

Dr. Tsiola: ⁣ The cloth now referred to ⁣in court became significant as it could indicate possible foul play. ‌However, it’s essential ⁢to differentiate physical evidence ⁤that can demonstrate actions taken⁤ against the child from⁢ medical evidence that relates to intrinsic health issues like‌ the agenesis of the sinus node.

TNE: ⁤It’s⁢ fascinating how both forensic evidence and medical ​knowledge intertwine in ‍a ‌case like this. Can you share what you believe is the most critical ⁣takeaway for professionals and the public following ⁢this case?

Dr. Tsiola: This case exposes the emotional⁢ and psychological impact of sudden ⁤infant deaths not only on families but also on medical and legal processes surrounding‍ them. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations, respectful communication⁢ with grieving families, and⁢ the need for transparency in forensic procedures to establish truth ⁣amidst ‌tragedy.

TNE: Thank ‍you, Dr.⁢ Tsiola, for ‍your insights and dedication to⁤ uncovering the truth. This case ⁢certainly demands meticulous ‍scrutiny, and we appreciate your role in it.

Dr. Tsiola: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative we ⁢continue to advocate for ​the truth in⁣ these heartbreaking circumstances.

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