First responders paint gruesome scene of ‘blood smears on the walls’ in London manslaughter trial

Testimony continued at the Barbara Cabala manslaughter trial on Friday, CTV London's Nick Paparella has the details.

As the Crown wrapped up it’s case at the London courthouse on Friday, the final witnesses were called to the stand in the manslaughter trial of Barbara Cabala.

They were asked to describe what they saw when they arrived at the townhouse at 392 Wilkins Street in south London on the night of July 7, 2021.

After a frantic 911 call, police, fire and paramedics arrived at the scene.

Firefighter Jason Lundy told the jury, “There was dirt all over the floor, a broken flower pot, there was some blood smears on the walls.”

When London police officer Leigh Salminen arrived on scene she testified that, “There was a mother inside of the unit that was VSA (Vital Signs Absent) and I heard over the radio officers were performing CPR on that woman.”

The victim, 59-year-old Elzbieta Cabala would later be pronounced dead at the scene. Her daughter Barbara Cabala, 43, who lived with her mother would be taken into police custody and treated in hospital for a cut to her hand.

The court has heard that they at times had a turbulent relationship. The officer said of the accused, “I noticed that she was covered in blood... There was dry blood on her face, neck, chest, arms and feet.”

The jury has heard that the mother suffered more than 55 injuries and died from external neck compression.

Barbara Cabala is charged with manslaughter in this case and has plead not guilty.

Later in the day the defence started its case with an opening address. Geoff Snow asked the jury, “What happened on July 7th of 2021, and was it self defence, or not?”

The court has heard that the accused is expected to testify in her own defence when the case resumes on Monday.