Teen in state of starvation, expert testifies
CALGARY An expert on diabetes testified Wednesday that suspected murder victim Alexandru Radita was “in a significant state of starvation” when he died, allegedly at his parents’ hands.
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, the boy’s parents, 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 University of Calgary 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 a reason to seek medical attention,” she said.
“And the weight lost would’ve been another reason,” said Pacaud.
Court earlier heard Alexandru weighed a mere 37 pounds at the time of his death.
Pacaud, an expert in diabetes, said the teen’s condition wasn’t being properly managed. “It all points to a neglect in the management of his diabetes,” she said.
The doctor said photographs taken at the teen’s 15th birthday party on Jan. 30, 2013, showed he was already significantly ill at that time.
“He already looks very emaciated, he already looks very malnourished,” Pacaud said, looking at the photographs made an exhibit in the parents’ Court of Queen’s Bench trial.
“This child doesn’t look well at this point.”
Pacaud said it was her opinion that the deceased wasn’t being given adequate care for his diabetes.
“Alexandru seemed to have not been provided with the proper care for his diabetes,” she said.
“He was in a severe state of malnutrition when he passed away,” the doctor said.
“There was no record of medical attention being sought … it seems to me he was being denied proper access to medical care in order to prevent his death.”