Murder trial of Miguel Salguero-Olivares accused of killing UNC student Faith Hedgepeth

The defense questioned Dr. Lauren Scott, North Carolina's associate medical examiner, about how quickly someone could die from blunt-force trauma. Scott testified that death could occur within seconds to minutes. When the defense pointed out that her report said "seconds" and asked whether that remained her opinion, Scott said yes.

The report showed no injuries to Faith Hedgepeth's lungs or neck. Scott also testified that Hedgepeth was not a large person.

The defense highlighted that there were no lacerations or contusions on the body and no lacerations or contusions in the uterine area.

When questioned about the collection of vaginal and anal swabs, Scott said she cleaned Hedgepeth's body after all swabs had been collected.

The state asked whether a person who experienced a violent rape would necessarily have lacerations or contusions in the uterine area.

Scott answered no.

Court ended early today and is scheduled to resume at 9:30 a.m. Monday.

As court resumes, the medical examiner's office testified about the sexual assault examination performed on Hedgepeth's body.

No injuries were observed.

The testimony indicated it was possible Hedgepeth had been sexually assaulted. The court is also reviewing the autopsy report.

Evidence suggests Hedgepeth died from blunt force trauma to the head.

After graphic testimony was heard and disturbing images were shown, the judge decided the jury needed a break.

It's a lot for them to see, and it's apparent," the judge said.

Several jurors cried as the medical examiner described the extent of Faith Hedgepeth's injuries.

The judge called for a 15-minute break. Testimony has since resumed.

Dr. Lauren Scott, the associate chief medical examiner at the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office, took the stand Friday afternoon.

Scott has practiced medicine since 2012 and worked in pathology since 2007.

Scott, who is deemed a board-certified expert in forensic pathology, was made to list all her credentials by the State.

Scott performed the autopsy of Faith Hedgepeth on Sept. 8, 2012, in Chapel Hill.

During testimony, she discussed the injuries found on Faith.

"Multiple lacerations on scalp, forehead and face ... blunt force injuries made by an object. Causes the skin surface to split open. She had bruising on her face, back, on arm, and abrasions on knees. Internally, she had bleeding surrounding the brain and brain itself," Scott said.

In one of the more graphic moments of the trial, the jury was shown pictures of Faith's body as it arrived at the Medical Examiner's Office.

Paper bags covered her hands and feet to help preserve evidence. She had two black eyes, a laceration in the center of her forehead, another laceration on the right side of her forehead, and other marks.

Some of her scalp hair had been shaved away from the lacerations so that her injuries could be better observed.

Another image showed that the right side of her skull was fractured.

The judge gave the jury a break because of the graphic content. Several jurors were seen crying.