Arkansas Anchorwoman's Face Shattered 'Like an Egg' During Attack

[Danno 1,228]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,573826...test=latestnews

Arkansas Anchorwoman's Face Shattered 'Like an Egg' During Attack

Tuesday , November 10, 2009

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —

One blow ruined her smile and others crushed the middle of her face, but the attack on television personality Anne Pressly didn't end until after her jaw was forced to the back of her head and cut off blood flow to her brain, a medical examiner said Tuesday.

Prosecutors rested their capital murder case against Curtis Lavelle Vance, 29, after testimony from the state's deputy medical examiner, who spoke about Pressly's final moments of consciousness.

Vance, of Marianna, has pleaded not guilty to murder, rape and burglary. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Defense lawyers questioned crime scene technicians about where they did — and did not — find blood, and asked Police Chief Stuart Thomas whether officers explored multiple theories. He said they had.

DNA specialists initially questioned by prosecutors were recalled to the stand to discuss genetic evidence gathered at the scene that didn't have a match.

Click here for photos.

Vance's legal team said it may call two additional witnesses Wednesday, then expects to rest. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza scheduled a court session Wednesday despite the rest of the courthouse being closed for Veterans Day, and jurors could begin deliberations by the end of the day.

Dr. Stephen Erickson said an examination of Pressly's body after her death revealed that her face shattered "like an egg" during the attack. "I could feel crunchiness" while examining Pressly's face, he said. A photo he used showed her nose pushed to one side.

Erickson said some type of object likely was used during the attack — the butt of a pistol or perhaps some type of club.

Pressly, the co-host of a morning TV show who had a bit part in the President Bush biopic "W," was hit so hard that a tooth — root intact — flew to her bedroom floor. Another blow crushed bones in the middle of her face. Another shoved her jaw backward, leaving her brain starved for blood.

Injuries like Pressly's require a "high degree" of force — and end with a high degree of mortality, Erickson said.

Pressly, 26, was attacked early Oct. 20, 2008, at her home in Little Rock. Her mother, unable to reach Pressly by telephone, found her daughter shortly before she was due on KATV's "Daybreak" program.

CT scans taken after the attack showed that her swollen brain gradually died. By Oct. 25, 2008, the day Pressly died, her brain was so swollen that no blood could enter.

Erickson said it was possible that Pressly felt pain even after the attack — even if she couldn't have responded to anyone.

The examiner also said Pressly's left forearm had an abrasion, consistent with being held tightly, and that her left hand was swollen, blue and broken in five places.

Erickson said Pressly had injuries consistent with being raped. Defense lawyer Katherine Street, however, questioned whether they could have been caused by a medical examination. Erickson said it was possible, but said it appeared they were inflicted about the time of the attack.

On a tape played for jurors Monday, Vance told a police detective that he beat Pressly with a piece of wood that he found in her backyard — but never explained why. "I lose control, she lose control," Vance said in the February interview.

Police witnesses said DNA evidence linked Vance to Pressly's death and to a Marianna rape case in which he has pleaded not guilty.

The defense has said police duped Vance into confessing and giving officers a DNA sample to compare with evidence in the case.

[The_Dude 1,142]

On a tape played for jurors Monday, Vance told a police detective that he beat Pressly with a piece of wood that he found in her backyard — but never explained why. "I lose control, she lose control," Vance said in the February interview.

That is really quite disturbing. No reason, no real closure for the victims family. It didn't say in the article, but did the defendant attempt some mental defect defense? I hope justice is served in this case.

[Danno 1,228]

On a tape played for jurors Monday, Vance told a police detective that he beat Pressly with a piece of wood that he found in her backyard — but never explained why. "I lose control, she lose control," Vance said in the February interview.

That is really quite disturbing. No reason, no real closure for the victims family. It didn't say in the article, but did the defendant attempt some mental defect defense? I hope justice is served in this case.

Yeah I didn't catch the motive either, but that level of violence against a woman is beyond belief.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Fry the savage.

[LaL 418]

Disgusting crime!

Fry the savage.

but just an oops re: the Tampa marine? mmm love transparency in the evening!

[Danno 1,228]

Disgusting crime!

Fry the savage.

but just an oops re: the Tampa marine? mmm love transparency in the evening!

What was the Tamps Marine thing?

Did I miss that story?

[Heracles 417]

Cannot wait for Hal to explain the socioeconomic reason for this.

Edited November 13, 2009 by Booyah!

[Danno 1,228]

Cannot wait for Hal to explain the socioeconomic reason for this.

Yeah I always get a kick out of that BS too..... especially when the average "poor" person has income higher than 85-90% of the global population.

[HAL 9000 96]

What a despicable crime. I remember when this happened a while back.

[Heracles 417]

Cannot wait for Hal to explain the socioeconomic reason for this.

Yeah I always get a kick out of that BS too..... especially when the average "poor" person has income higher than 85-90% of the global population.

I drove in the poorest 'hood' of DC not to long ago. Saw two people 'chilling' and on their Iphone.

I would like to see anyone justify such a crime and base it on 'socioeconomic circumstances'. Actually I wish this crime on themselves or better yet, their loved ones.

What a despicable crime. I remember when this happened a while back.

You're missing the

You guys are good with stuff like that. You do jack sh-t to solve the problem but are real good at the part.

Edited November 13, 2009 by Booyah!

[Danno 1,228]

Cannot wait for Hal to explain the socioeconomic reason for this.

Yeah I always get a kick out of that BS too..... especially when the average "poor" person has income higher than 85-90% of the global population.

I drove in the poorest 'hood' of DC not to long ago. Saw two people 'chilling' and on their Iphone.

I would like to see anyone justify such a crime and base it on 'socioeconomic circumstances'. Actually I wish this crime on themselves or better yet, their loved ones.

What a despicable crime. I remember when this happened a while back.

You're missing the

You guys are good with stuff like that. You do jack sh-t to solve the problem but are real good at the part.

Awe come'on Dude, you know with these libs, it's the "thought" that counts.

Their programs policies or actions are never measured by what they accomplish... but rather by what they "intend" to accomplish.

[Heracles 417]

Awe come'on Dude, you know with these libs, it's the "thought" that counts.

Their programs policies or actions are never measured by what they accomplish... but rather by what they "intend" to accomplish.

Whatever you do, just don't talk about holding the perpetrator accountable.

Edited November 13, 2009 by Booyah!

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Cannot wait for Hal to explain the socioeconomic reason for this.

Yeah I always get a kick out of that BS too..... especially when the average "poor" person has income higher than 85-90% of the global population.

I drove in the poorest 'hood' of DC not to long ago. Saw two people 'chilling' and on their Iphone.

I would like to see anyone justify such a crime and base it on 'socioeconomic circumstances'. Actually I wish this crime on themselves or better yet, their loved ones.

What a despicable crime. I remember when this happened a while back.

You're missing the

You guys are good with stuff like that. You do jack sh-t to solve the problem but are real good at the part.

What are you doing to solve the problems?

[Heracles 417]

What are you doing to solve the problems?

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

What are you doing to solve the problems?

Answer it before you ask it turtleboy!