Forensic expert testifies at inquest into Lee Bonneau death

The inquest into the death of six-year-old Lee Bonneau continued into its fourth day today.

Dr. Shaun Ladham, the forensic pathologist who examined the boy, testified Thursday that the youngster died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Lee was found badly beaten on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation in southern Saskatchewan in 2013 after walking away from a bingo he had been at with his foster mother.

Ladham said the nature of the injuries suggests there was "considerable force" behind the blows. He added that the boy was likely on the ground when the major injuries, to the left side of his head and face, were inflicted. He said the amount of force would be consistent with kicking or stomping or the use of a weapon.

Ladham also testified that it would be possible for a ten-year-old boy to generate the amount of force associated with the trauma.

Also on Thursday, a paramedic from the STARS air ambulance service testified that when they arrived on the scene to take Lee to hospital they found he was already in a steep decline. The paramedic said that within about 20 minutes of their arrival, and despite their best efforts, the child had no pulse.

The boy died that night.

RCMP later said a 10-year-old boy, referred to as L.T., is believed to be responsible for the death. Because of his age the boy could not be charged, although it has been noted that social services will be intensely involved in his life.

The coroner's inquest was called to determine the circumstances surrounding Lee Bonneau's death and provide possible recommendations to avoid similar situations. The inquest is not conducted to assign fault or blame.

The RCMP's lead investigator on the case told the inquest Thursday that when L.T. was interviewed the boy gave conflicting information at times.

Cpl. Donna Zawislak said a specialized interview process for children was used. She noted L.T. was "all over the place" during the interview and had difficulty focusing on the questions.

According to Zawislak, L.T. at one point suggested another person was responsible for the death. She noted, however, that L.T. was able to explain the location of the injuries suffered by Lee.

RCMP interviewed a total of 48 people to gather information on the case. They also interviewed the person identified by L.T.

Zawislak testified that person was no where near the scene at the time of the Lee's death and their investigation did not lead them to any other potential suspects.

The inquest is set to resume on Monday.