Doctor Takes Stand At Trial Of Kerrigan Brother

May 17, 2011

The Associated Press

Former Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, center, embraces her mother Brenda Kerrigan, left, as her husband Jerry Solomon, right, looks on after the first day of testimony in the manslaughter trial of Nancy's brother Mark Kerrigan at Middlesex Superior Court, in Woburn, Mass., Monday. (AP) — Former Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, center, embraces her mother Brenda Kerrigan, left, as her husband Jerry Solomon, right, looks on. (AP)

A cardiologist who treated Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan's father has testified that he believes an injury to his neck that prosecutors allege was caused by Kerrigan's brother could have triggered a deadly heart attack.

Kerrigan's brother, Mark Kerrigan, is charged with manslaughter in the death of their 70-year-old father, Daniel Kerrigan. Prosecutors say Daniel Kerrigan died of a heart attack after Mark Kerrigan put his hands around his father's neck, causing an injury to his larynx.

Dr. Khether Raby testified Tuesday that he reviewed the autopsy report and found that Daniel Kerrigan had a triggering event - the larynx injury - that likely made his heartbeat increase and his blood pressure go up. He says that overwhelmed Kerrigan's blocked arteries and caused him to have a heart attack.

This program aired on May 17, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.