Mattioli trial day 3: Current chief medical examiner testifies on Acevedo's death

By: Daniela Cado Facebook | Twitter

Posted: Nov 8, 2023 3:35 PM CDT

NOW: Mattioli trial day 3: Current chief medical examiner testifies on Acevedo’s death

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A key witness took the stand on day three of the trail of Michael Mattioli. The former Milwaukee Police Department officer is accused of placing another man, Joel Acevedo, in a chokehold after he says Acevedo stole from him at a house party in 2020.

Inside the courtroom Wednesday, Nov. 8, Milwaukee County's Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Wieslawa Tlomak, went over the autopsy again and came back to the same conclusion: Acevedo's cause of death was ruled a homicide.

See Also Trial begins for former MPD officer Michael Mattioli, accused in death of Joel Acevedo

"I could determine that there was a compression to the chest and a compression to the neck," said Dr. Tlomak.

Dr. Wieslawa Tlomak with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office says, injuries to the neck were present in medical records, particularly hemorrhages to the face, neck and chest. But the amount of pressure applied was in question.

Dr. Tlomak: "Based on this video, I cannot, I cannot tell if there was pressure applied. The only person who could tell how much pressure was applied would be Joel Acevedo."

Attorney Michael F. Hart: "Or Mr. Mattioli."

Dr. Tlomak: "Well, I would argue."

Dr. Tlomak clarified either side's testimony would be subjective. Other reports from St. Luke's Hospital were also taken into account.

Dr. Tlomak: "Mr. Acevedo suffered cardiac pulmonary arrest.

Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Paul Tiffin: "Sorry, a heart attack?"

Dr. Tlomak: "No, it's the heart stopped beating and he wasn't breathing."

Tiffin: "Is that different than the label heart attack?"

Dr. Tlomak: "Yes it is."

Mattioli's attorneys asked if Acevedo's health history could be contributing factors that led to his death.

Attorney Hart: "Is it your opinion that Mr. Acevedo's obesity, his asthma, his cocaine use played no role in his death?

Dr. Tlomak: Those conditions made him more vulnerable in this situation. The fact that there was this struggle before in general reduced his oxygen reservoirs."

More witnesses are expected to take the stand Thursday morning, Nov. 9 for day four of the trail. This time from the side of the defense.