San Diego
The murder trial of David Lucas, who is accused of murdering six people, continued Wednesday with testimony by pathologist David Katsuyama of the County Coroner’s office.
Katsuyama performed the autopsy on Ann Swanke, whose throat was slashed and body left in a remote area of Spring Valley in 1984. According to Katsuyama, “a large gaping hole in Swanke’s neck” was the cause of death. He also testified that a “relatively heavy, thick, long blade, three to four inches in length” was used to slash the USD student’s throat.
He also testified more than one stroke was used by Swanke’s assailant in slashing her throat.
Lucas, 33, of Spring Valley is accused of murdering Swanke after she ran out of gas in La Mesa on November 19, 1984. Her body was found five days later on Nov. 24.
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