The trial for a man accused of killing his wife in a Revelstoke lake 7 years ago continued on Wednesday with testimony from a pathologist.
Dr. Matthew Orde, an expert witness for the defence, said a number of factors could have played a role in Laura Letts-Beckett's drowning death, including fainting, cold-water shock, or even heart arrhythmia.
Because of lack of medical evidence, Orde couldn’t say if any of those factors actually played a role in the death, but said he included them into his report because the possibility is there.
Under cross examination, he said that he did not consider foul play as a factor in his report.
Letts-Beckett drowned in Upper Arrow Lake while boating with her husband, Peter Beckett, who's charged with first-degree murder.
Orde said drowning victims usually struggle above the water for 20 to 60 seconds before going under.
Beckett told police after the drowning he didn't see or hear his wife go into the water.
Beckett was a city councillor in Napier, New Zealand for one-term in the 90's before moving to Canada.
This is his second jury trial, after the jury in his first trial in Kamloops failed to reach a decision.
The trial continues.