MAYVILLE — Prosecutors rested their case in the trial of a Georgia woman charged with driving the wrong direction on Interstate 86 that resulted in a fatal head-on crash.

Elizabeth Spratt, a forensic toxicologist consultant, was the only witness to take the stand Wednesday in Chautauqua County Court.

Her testimony came on the seventh day of the trial for Heather Capell, who is accused of driving east in the westbound lane of the interstate the morning of July 1, 2021, before striking another vehicle driven by Bradley Wakefield, 52, of Cattaraugus County. Wakefield died as a result of the crash.

Spratt discussed the results of a urine sample collected from Capell while she was being treated for an ankle injury at UPMC Chautauqua. As previously noted at trial, the sample was positive for marijuana and amphetamine/methamphetamine.

Speaking generally, Spratt discussed what impacts marijuana and methamphetamine use have on the human body.

She said marijuana can cause concentration problems as well as anxiety and paranoia when used.

Regarding motor and cognitive functions, Spratt said marijuana, “slows you down. You have a more difficult time reacting to things.”

Signs of use include bloodshot eyes and difficulty answering questions, she said.

Methamphetamine, Spratt testified, is a central nervous system stimulant that can increase a user’s blood pressure and cause restlessness and confusion.

Capell admitted to using marijuana prior to the July 2021 crash. In his opening remarks, Erik Bentley with the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office said the Georgia resident also took methamphetamine while at a club in Buffalo and police later discovered the drug inside her vehicle.

Capell is on trial facing charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while ability impaired by a combination of drugs/alcohol.

Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley ruled Spratt could not testify to her opinion of Capell’s possible impairment the morning of the crash. The consultant was allowed to read the results of the urine analysis.

Chautauqua County Public Defender Ned Barone, whose office is representing Capell, objected to Spratt mentioning driving while discussing the impacts of marijuana and methamphetamine. He argued that by mentioning a vehicle as an example it was akin to offering her opinion.

Foley said Spratt was offering a generality on motor and cognitive functions that might be impacted by drug use.

Barone’s cross examination of Spratt lasted about 20 minutes. He asked her whether the test results showed how much marijuana or amphetamine/methamphetamine was taken or when. Spratt responded that the tests do not indicate time of ingestion or the amount.

Only a urine sample collected from Capell has been discussed during the trial. Foley previously ruled results of a chemical test from a blood sample sent to a lab in Erie County could not be used due to a discovery violation.

Barone also questioned Spratt on her compensation for appearing as a witness. She said she is paid for her time and noted that, to date, she has received $5,000 not including her appearance in court Wednesday.

For most of the trial, Capell has sat quietly next to her defense team. Periodically she has looked to members of her family who have attended each day of the trial.

Capell had driven from her home in Brunswick, Ga., to meet another woman in Buffalo. The two were supposed to drive back together to Georgia, but after staying several hours at a Buffalo club where the other woman worked, Capell decided to drive back home herself.

It was during that drive in the early hours that Barone said his client became lost and accidentally entered the interstate going the wrong direction. The crash occurred around 5 a.m. in the town of North Harmony.

Foley is scheduled to hear a motion from Barone regarding the case this morning in court. Jurors were asked to return to court at 1 p.m.