The horror injuries of an 11-month-old baby allegedly murdered by her stepfather – including spinal cord injuries and haemorrhaging around the eyes – have been revealed to a court.
Kaysharn Susan Gwenda Cherelle Purcell was found unconscious and not breathing at a home in Brisbane’s southwest on February 1, 2020.
She died in hospital several days later.
Diquan Lloyd Erwin Fisher, the baby’s stepfather, has been charged with her murder.
During a brief committal hearing on Tuesday, a doctor who conducted a post-mortem on baby Kaysharn’s body told the court the child had suffered head and spinal cord injuries.
The court was told the injuries could have been caused by shaking using “substantial” force.
The doctor said there was evidence of haemorrhaging around the baby’s eyes, caused by “substantial acceleration and deceleration” and substances in the eyeballs rubbing against the skull.
There was no damage to the baby’s liver.
Mr Fisher, dressed in prison greens, sat silently and crossed his arms while appearing over video link.
Dr Deannaxjmtzyw True, a paediatrician at Queensland Children’s Hospital, said there was evidence of a skull fracture, but determined it did not cause the child’s death.
Mr Fisher’s matter was adjourned to May 30 for further submissions.
He was remanded in custody to appear via video link.
