WINDSOR – Morning testimony in the murder trial of Antwan Pittman proved an emotional ride for the victim’s family.

Diana Nicholson used a towel to wipe away a steady stream of tears flowing down her cheek as witnesses testified about the condition of the body of her daughter, Taraha Shenice Nicholson, and the cause of death determined during an autopsy.

Edgecombe County Detective Gene Harrell testified about the scene where Nicholson’s body was found by men on ATVs on March 7, 2009, in a patch of woods along Marriott Farm Road. He used several photographs of the scene to illustrate how her body was found and where articles of clothing were found several feet from the body.

Harrell also testified that Nicholson’s arms were above her head, indicating the body had been dragged to the patch of woods where the hunters later found it.

Forensic Pathologist Dr. William Oliver testified about performing the autopsy in Greenville. He said he determined Nicholson, 28, had been strangled to death. The assault had caused fractures and bruising on the woman’s neck. The autopsy also indicates Nicholson suffered bleeding around her brain.

Linear scratches along Nicholson’s torso indicated her body was dragged shortly before or after her death, Oliver said.

Pathologist Assistant Colleen Tetterton assisted with Nicholson’s autopsy, collecting samples for the sexual assault kit. Nicholson’s mother, sister and cousin embraced throughout Tetterton’s testimony.

Testimony for the prosecution will continue at 2 p.m. in the N.C. Superior court room in Bertie County.