BALTIMORE — The doctor who performed Freddie Gray’s autopsy, testifying Friday in the trial of a Baltimore police officer implicated in Gray’s death, defended her finding that Gray’s death was a homicide.

Dr. Carol Allan, an assistant medical examiner, took the stand on the second day of the trial of Officer Caesar Goodson Jr., the driver of the transport van in which Gray was injured. Goodson, 46, faces the most serious charge in the case.

On the stand, Allan defended her finding that Gray’s fatal injuries were suffered in a diving-type accident related to an abrupt force to his neck during a specific portion of his transport. She testified that she was sure, based on medical evidence, witness statements and other observations she made, that Gray’s death “was no accident.”

Allan testified that Gray’s fatal neck injuries, resembling those suffered in a diving accident, were caused by abrupt force to his neck during his transport, when he could not see outside the van to predict sudden stops, starts or turns.

Under cross-examination, Allan acknowledged that there is no direct evidence of what occurred during the ride. But she said her medical findings – including signs of injury to Gray’s head and other circumstantial evidence, including statements from witnesses – had given her a solid, scientific foundation for her conclusions.

“I had an open mind on the day of the autopsy,” she said. After reading medical records and going over a timeline of events, “I said, ‘This is not an accident,’ to myself.”

“The word ‘accident’ never crossed my lips to anyone, other than to say, ‘This is not an accident,’ ” Allan said later, under repeated questioning from the defense.

Prosecutors allege that Goodson gave Gray a “rough ride” while Gray was shackled and handcuffed, but unrestrained by a seat belt in the back of the van. They are seeking to convict Goodson of second-degree depraved heart murder, three counts of manslaughter and other charges in Gray’s death.

Gray, 25, died April 19, 2015, a week after his arrest. His death sparked widespread protests against police brutality, and his funeral was followed by rioting, looting and arson. State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby filed criminal charges against six officers involved in Gray’s arrest in death. All have pleaded not guilty.