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VALPARAISO — Steven Lindsey stared down before him Wednesday morning as graphic autopsy photos of his wife were projected on a large screen at the front of the courtroom.

What he could not avoid was hearing forensic pathologist John Cavanaugh describe how a bullet had passed through the head of 23-year-old Melinda Lindsey, which left the young woman breathing in and swallowing blood before dying from the wound.

Steven Lindsey, 36, is on trial for his wife's murder.

Melinda Lindsey was shot Jan. 16, 2015, as she lay in bed at the couple’s then-home along Ind. 149 in Center Township.

Steven Lindsey has denied murdering his wife, saying he also was a victim of what he said was a violent home invasion. He said he was attacked while sleeping on a couch, rendered unconscious, bound and carried to his 2-year-old daughter’s bedroom where he awoke to the sound of a gunshot that turned out to be someone shooting his wife in their bedroom.

Cavanaugh, who testified Wednesday before the courthouse was shut down due to the heavy snow fall, said Melinda Lindsey's body showed no obvious signs of a struggle. There was also no evidence of a sexual assault.