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Medical Experts: Ella Van Leeuwen Appeared to Have Prior Injuries

By Angela Greenwood, KSEE24 News
January 31, 2013 Updated Jan 31, 2013 at 7:28 PM PDT

The jury heard some strong testimony for the defense in the Megan Martzen trial. She's the Reedley babysitter accused of killing 17-month-old Ella Van Leeuwen.

Two doctors took the stand Thursday and said it appeared Ella's death was caused by multiple injuries on different days.

Was Ella Van Leeuwen's death the result of a series of accidents, or was the 17-month-old girl killed by her babysitter, Megan Martzen?

The defense is pounding on the theory that Ella was injured before the fall that sent her to the hospital, and eventually ended her life.

The defense called Dr. Khaled Tawansy to the stand. Tawansy is an ophthalmologist who reviewed Ella's records. He said the girl suffered from retinal hemorrhages and severe intracranial pressure. In his testimony he said, "I did not find characteristic features of a shaking injury."

Dr. Tawansy also suggested it's possible multiple accidents could have led to Ella's death. He referred to the level of pressure inside Ella's head and said, "It would make one suspicious that something had been going on for a while."

The prosecution isn't buying this theory. They claim Martzen beat Ella to death and reminded the jury of previous expert testimony.

Several doctors testified Ella's injuries were consistent with violent shaking and appeared to be intentional.

In cross examination, Dr. Tawansy was asked if it's possible Ella's injuries could have happened on the same day. He said, "It's conceivable, but not medically likely."

Dr. Janice Ophoven also testified.

She's a forensic pathologist who specializes in child injuries. She reviewed Ella's autopsy and said Ella's injuries were not properly tested to determine their age.

She said there's evidence of two impacts to Ella's head and that it appears those injuries occurred on two separate occasions; more specifically 12 to 24 hours apart.

Megan Martzen was expected to continue her testimony this morning, but did not due to scheduling issues. Martzen's attorney tells us the defendant could take the stand again Friday or Monday.