Noted pathologist Baden to testify in stabbing death

Kim Smith

Monday, July 29, 2002 | 9:17 a.m.

Nationally known forensic pathologist Michael Baden is scheduled to testify this week on behalf of a Las Vegas man accused of stabbing his brother to death in April 2001.

Baden is expected to testify that Daniel Jones, 23, accidentally stabbed Steven Jones, 20, in the heart on April 29, 2001.

Baden, a New York resident, has offered his expert testimony in numerous high profile cases, including the Ted Binion case. During that trial, Baden told jurors that the gambling figure died as a result of suffocation.

In addition to testifying at the O.J. Simpson murder trial, Baden has helped those investigating the deaths of the Russian Tsar Nicholas, John Belushi, Medgar Evers and Billy Martin.

Earlier this month, Baden examined the remains of Chandra Levy, the former federal intern who disappeared well over a year ago in Washington, D.C.

This week, he'll add his opinion on the Steven Jones case.

According to police, Steven Jones was stabbed in the heart during an argument with his brother in the apartment they shared on Linnbaker Lane near Lamb Boulevard and Owens Avenue. Daniel Jones argued with his brother when he refused to give him a ride to cash his paycheck, court documents indicate.

Jones pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter one month after the slaying and agreed to serve a six to 15-year prison sentence. He later changed his mind, saying he rushed into it and it was not in his best interest.

The trial will be presided over by District Judge John McGroarty. Both defense attorney Jennifer Bolton and Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGiacomo declined to comment.