Brewster accused Dr. Cheryl Niblo of not performing her statutory duty, questioning her credentials and heatedly working to pick apart her autopsy report.

Niblo testified Harris died from a “combination of lung collapse and blood loss” and that reading the medical reports later hasn’t changed her mind on the findings she wrote in the autopsy report.

“I performed the autopsy, and his injuries were severe enough I could determine the cause of death on my own,” Niblo told the court.

Defense attorney Corbin Brewster told reporters afterward that Bates’ legal team will call experts this week who will testify the combination of Harris’ heart disease, methamphetamine use and exertion from the chase and struggle were fatal, not the bullet.

Taser use

Deputies in general appeared to be at least somewhat on the fence regarding Bates’ intent to use a Taser under the circumstances.

Vaca testified he didn’t hear Bates say “Taser” or else he would have disengaged from Harris, whom he was wrapped around on the ground.

“You’re supposed to wait until you have a clear opening. … I don’t think there was room, based on how close I was,” Vaca explained.