Coroner Testifies At Va. Lacrosse Slaying Trial

Published February 14, 2012 9:45PM (EST)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A coroner says the ex-girlfriend of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player had alcohol and prescription drugs in her system at the time of her death, but not in lethal amounts.

Dr. Michael Gormley performed the autopsy on Yeardley Love. He testified for the prosecution Tuesday at the trial of George Huguely V, who is accused of killing her in a violent encounter in May 2010.

Gormley said it was his conclusion that the 22-year-old died from cardiac arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, from blunt force trauma.

Other medical experts testified for the prosecution, saying Love likely suffered brain injuries that could have disrupted her heartbeat.

Defense attorneys have suggested Love's death could have been related to prescription medicine she took for attention deficit disorder.


By Salon Staff

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