Graphic testimony in Schuster trial

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By Theresa Freed

Story Published: Oct 29, 2007 at 9:28 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 31, 2007 at 2:32 PM EDT

A breadstick dipped in water, that's how forensic pathologist Dr. Venu Gopal described the spinal chord and remains of Timothy Schuster.

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He said the man who once stood more than 6 ft. tall, and weighed 220 lbs. was reduced to a mass of 103 lbs., in a large amount of hydrochloric acid.

The barrel containing Timothy Schuster's body was discovered in a storage unit. Authorities believe Timothy Schuster died at the hand of his estranged biochemist wife Larissa Schuster and her young former employee James Fagone.

They allegedly attacked the victim at his home, choloformed him, choked him out and then put his body in a barrel and poured acid inside.

During the trial, another deputy coroner testified. Jennifer Johnson said typically a body taken to the coroner's office for autopsy would be weighed, but the circumstgances in this case made the task nearly impossilbe.

On top of the condition of the body, those handling the remains weren't initially toldthe fluid in the barrel was acid. They started putting it down the drain.

Defense attorney Roger Nuttall suggested the coroner's office mishandled the case.

Click on the video link to watch Theresa Freed's story.

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