The state’s chief medical examiner spent hours testifying about Jennifer Ewing’s injuries. GBI Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kris Sperry said Ewing was beaten and kicked so severely, she couldn’t move or breathe.

“In my opinion, Jennifer Ewing died of asphyxiation or suffocation as a consequence of multiple, severe, crushing injuries of the chest,” said Sperry.

The state’s chief medical examiner took jurors through Ewing’s painful ordeal in a clinical fashion.

SLIDESHOW: Silver Comet Trail Crime Scene

Channel 2 Action News reporter Ross Cavitt was in court during the testimony Wednesday.

Accused killer Michael Ledford mostly stared straight ahead as Sperry narrated photographs taken of the 53-year-old mother of three after her death. The pictures were graphic and disturbing.

“I would characterize this as a very severe beating,” said Sperry.

Ewing had severe injuries from the top of her head to her feet. Sperry said he knew Ewing fought back because there were a lot of defensive wounds.

As they went step by step, the prosecutor asked Sperry to keep track of the number of times he thought the victim had been hit or stomped.

Jennifer Ewing IM Jennifer Ewing was found dead in July 2006 along the Silver Comet Trail in Paulding County. Jennifer Ewing was found dead in July 2006 along the Silver Comet Trail in Paulding County.

"I would say, realistically somewhere between five and 10 separate blows to the front of the upper face," said Sperry.

He gave his opinion on the number of blows for each picture they went over. His other answers included, "A minimum of probably about 18 to 20."

"Approximately five to six."

"I would say at least 15 to 20."

But perhaps most disturbing of all, Sperry testified after her beating, Ewing died a relatively slow and painful death in the kudzu along the Silver Comet Trail.

“She was alive for perhaps 15 to 30 minutes afterwards and died because of lack of oxygen,” said Sperry.

Ledford's attorneys objected constantly throughout the graphic testimony and the pictures Wednesday. Prosecutors said it was necessary for jurors to hear what happened to Ewing along the trail.