Opening statements begin in trial of man accused of killing 5-year-old niece

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — Opening statements began in Pender County on Thursday in the trial of a man accused of killing his 5-year-old niece in 2017.

Prosecutors allege David Prevatte killed Paitin Fields in November 2017.

Prevatte’s defense attorney, Luther Johnson Britt III, told jurors that Prevatte was with Paitin as she was being rushed to the hospital after she was found unresponsive.

Following opening statements, the state called several medical workers who treated Paitin at the Pender County emergency department.

One nurse testified that she called 911 after observing suspicious injuries and marks around the child’s neck. The nurse also testified that Paitin was brought to the emergency department wearing only underwear.

Dr. Brian McGrath, who oversaw Paitin’s care at Pender Emergency before she was transferred to what is now Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, also testified.

McGrath told jurors that Paitin’s injuries were not caused by an illness and were instead consistent with strangulation.

“There are no medical things in medicine that are supposed to make sense,” McGrath testified. “They don’t sometimes, but they’re supposed to.”

McGrath said there was no disease or infection that would explain the combination of Paitin’s physical injuries and severe neurological damage.

When asked whether he believed the injuries were nonaccidental, McGrath responded, “I do.”

Several images of Paitin’s injuries were shown to the jury during the testimony. Prevatte was seen crying in the courtroom as the images were presented.

Six witnesses testified on the first day of the trial. Attorneys said more than 30 witnesses, including family members and investigators, are expected to testify as the trial continues.