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Mass. Examiner: Fight Led To Kerrigan Dad's Death

Former Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, right, sits with her mother, Brenda Kerrigan, in court, Wednesday. (AP)
Former Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, right, sits with her mother, Brenda Kerrigan, in court, Wednesday. (AP)

The prosecution has rested its case in the manslaughter trial of Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan's brother. Mark Kerrigan is charged with manslaughter in the death of their father, 70-year-old Daniel Kerrigan.

Prosecutors finished presenting their case Wednesday, the third day of testimony.

The final prosecution witness was the chief medical examiner of Massachusetts.

Dr. Henry Nields said he believes Daniel Kerrigan's fatal cardiac dysrhythmia - a loss or interruption of a normal heartbeat - was brought on by the altercation with his son.

However, during cross-examination by Mark Kerrigan's lawyers, Nields acknowledged that because Daniel Kerrigan had severe blockage of his coronary arteries, the emotional stress alone of arguing with his son could have caused his heart to fail.

Earlier Coverage:

This program aired on May 18, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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