ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Medical experts are expected to open the second week of testimony in the Buncombe County murder trial of a man accused in the 2022 death of his infant daughter.
Nickolas Shane Stephenson, 37, is charged with first-degree murder and intentional child abuse causing serious bodily injury in the death of 12-week-old Riley Leshae Hannah Stephenson.
Dr. Sarah Monahan-Estes, leader of the Child Abuse Pediatrics team at Mission Hospital, briefly took the stand Friday before court adjourned for the weekend. She is scheduled to resume her testimony when proceedings continue Monday morning.
Earlier testimony came from emergency responders who described through tears the baby’s emaciated and injured condition. Jurors also heard about search warrants, body camera footage and potential blood evidence.
The child’s mother, 32-year-old Diandra Haleigh Fuhr-Farlow, testified Friday, describing through sobs her daughter’s short life and painful death. Her account included graphic details, photos taken on her phone and an emotional cross-examination. Prosecutors pressed her on why she never called for help.
Prior coverage
‘She would cry’: Mother recounts abuse before baby’s death
Body cam, crime scene evidence shown in Asheville murder trial
Emergency responders testify in death of 12-week-old