Overview

• Forensic pathologist Hans de Boer told the court he cannot determine how or when the injuries occurred because the remains were in advanced decomposition, noting rubbish-truck compaction is a possible source of some damage.
• Senior forensic anthropologist Samantha Rowbotham reported perimortem blunt-force trauma to the skull and ribs and bone warping consistent with flattening.
• Toxicology presented to the court detected methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA, methadone, diazepam and a cocaine metabolite, substances the pathologist agreed could severely alter consciousness or be fatal.
• Co-accused Eyal Yaffe, already charged with assisting an offender, now also faces an allegation of attempting to pervert the course of justice by concealing and disposing of evidence between October 19 and 30, 2024.
• Prosecutors allege Marat Ganiev killed Bell at his St Kilda East apartment and moved her body in a fridge before it was discarded and found at a Dandenong waste facility, and further expert witnesses are due to testify when the hearing resumes Tuesday.