‘Ottawa’ Court Hears Child in ‘State of Starvation’
Alexandru Radita was “in a significant state of starvation” at the time of his death, an expert told his parents’ murder trial Wednesday.
Dr. Daniele Pacaud said autopsy photos of the 15-year-old also showed he had multiple bed ulcers “that seemed to indicate a state of neglect.”
Emil, 59, and Rodica Radita, 53, are each charged with first-degree murder in the May 7, 2013, death of the teen from bacterial sepsis caused by complications related to poor nutritional and physical care.
Pacaud said Alexandru would have been obviously ill in the months leading up to his death.
“There was no medical attention sought in the last six months before his death,” the U of C professor and Alberta Children’s Hospital doctor said.
“That tells me that there was a failure to recognize the severity of his condition and seek medical attention,” Pacaud said.
She said Alexandru had multiple bed sores all over his body.
“A first bed sore … would be