Trial reveals Kerman couple killed for secret marijuana garden died in very different ways

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dawn Singh craned her head to the left to examine autopsy photos for the couple whose murders could get her a life sentence. Gary and Sandra DeBartolo's family members turned away from the pictures showing deadly wounds to their necks.

In Sandra's case, Dr. Michael Chambliss said the knife cut her carotid artery and her jugular vein-- probably from behind-- and she had no chance to survive the attack.

"It's a very quick kind of death, a few minutes. I would be surprised if she survived more than five minutes."

Gary lived long enough to call 911, but he was also slashed across the jugular. Coroners couldn't tell if it was the same knife, but they could see Gary tried to fight back, suffering defensive wounds on his hands.

"What takes place is essentially, they grab at the knife and the knife gives them these injuries," said Dr. Chambliss.

The case against Singh is based on her participation in the felony that led to the murders.

Two men who have admitted to taking part said she helped plan the marijuana heist, and refused to leave Leroy Johnson behind. Even after knowing Johnson had killed the couple. But some of the witnesses admit it's been so long, the details are getting fuzzy. Including a gas station clerk who initially said he saw several of the suspects together before the attack.

"I don't remember. I don't remember," said Johnny Gonzales, Gas Station Clerk.

"Do you recall you saw the same individual putting air in the tires," asked Prosecutor Gabriel Brickey.

"I don't remember," replied Gonzales.

Singh hasn't officially decided whether to testify in her own defense, but if she does, it'll be early next week. The case should wrap up by the end of next week.

Johnson is scheduled for a separate trial next year.