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.
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.