Deborah Mark's friends "taken aback" by bruising on Kairissa

Family friends of a former Mid-State pediatrician accused of killing her adopted daughter nearly two years ago in Wilson County testified in court on Wednesday they were "taken aback" by bruising on the four-year-old girl in the weeks leading up to her death, according to WKRN News 2.

At least two friends of Deborah Mark testified they became concerned after noticing bruises on Kairissa Mark.

She added that before she could tell someone about her concerns she had learned the child had died.

Another friend noted the little girl had bruises on her face when she saw her at a local karate studio.

"The first time I got concerned about Kairissa, we came in from my children's karate lessons and Kairissa was already sitting and she turned to face me and I was taken aback by the bruising I saw on her face," Christine Kowal said.

Kowal told jurors she also planned to contact the state Department of Children's Services about Kairissa's injuries but wanted to wait until after returning from vacation.

When she did, however, it was too late.