Dr. Cynthia Harris, who performed the autopsy on Jordan Neely, took questions from prosecutors Friday alongside the cell phone video of Daniel Penny with Neely in a chokehold.

Dr. Harris described Neely’s distended veins and his purple complexion as signs of the pressure Penny had on Neely.

Graphic photos from the autopsy were also displayed. Jurors saw Neely’s neck muscles exposed as Dr. Harris explained, “there was a considerable amount of force that was applied to the neck in this area causing bleeding.”

Outside of court, Neely’s uncle, Christopher Neely, spoke to reporters.

“Today the medical examiner confirmed that he died from the lack of oxygen intake, technically called asphyxiation,” Christopher Neely said. “Right now, our family is suffering from the loss of our nephew and we want justice.”

In a recorded precinct interview, Penny demonstrated the chokehold on a detective.

“I just wanted to keep him from getting to people,” Penny said.  

Neely had K2 in his system, a synthetic marijuana that’s classified as a stimulant like cocaine. He also had a sickle cell condition that got triggered because of the chokehold, Dr. Harris testified.

On cross examination, Dr. Harris conceded some of Neely’s injuries could have been consistent with a struggle and resuscitation efforts.

Dr. Harris, who was a fellow under supervision when she conducted the autopsy, also testified about how the cause of death was determined.

The day after Neely died — the cause of death was “pending further investigation.”

Dr. Harris testified that she wanted to wait for a full toxicology report. Then, a day later, the cause of death changed to compression of the neck. Dr. Harris saw the cell phone video.

“No toxicological report could have changed my opinion,” Dr. Harris said.

She also did not wait for genetic testing on Neely’s heart and other tests.

Dr. Harris presented her case as part of a routine conference with senior medical examiners, including the city’s chief, Dr. Jason Graham.

“Dr. Graham agreed with my assessment,” Dr. Harris said.

The defense will continue with its cross examination on Monday. This case is coming to a close — Dr. Harris is expected to be the final witness the prosecution calls.