REPORT OF AUTOPSY EXAMINATION

Transcription

1 . i-;.",,,,,,,,, A /22/ : CHEF MED EXAMNER PAGE 02 North Caroline Department of Health and Human Se.'VU:e Postmortem MedicolegAl :E~tion Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Chapel Hill, NC Telephone (919) 9~225~ REPORT OF AUTOPSY EXAMNATON AUTOPSY NUMBER: B CASE NUMBER: DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher Young AGE: 29 RACE: White SEX: Female Authorized by: Kevin Greene, M.D, Received trom: Wake County Date ot Autop~y Examination: 11/04/06 Time: 11:30 am Body identified by: Transporter and aocompanying papers Persons present at tiutopsy: Mr. Kevin Gerity, Dr. Kevin Greene PATHOLOGCAL DAGNOSES Blunt force injury to the head. Multiple lacerations. Extensive abrasions and contusions. Multiple fractures of the mandible. Avulsion of multiple teeth. Fracture of the left temporal bone. Linear fracture of the base of the skull. Subarachnoid hemorrhage of the brain. Pathological diagnoses continued on next page CAuse OF DEATH: Blunt force injury to the head. Page 1 of i., January 17, 2007

2 01/22/ : CHEF MED EXAMNER PAGE 03 AUTOPSY NUMBER: DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher' Young CASE NUMBER: Pathological diagnoses continued Blunt force injury to the neck consistent with manual strangulation. Scratches on the left side of the neck consistent with fingernail marks. Hgmorrhage of the strap muscles of the left side of the neck. Blunt force injury to the laft deltoid region. Abrasion. Multiple contusions. Blunt force injury to the extremities. Laceration of the left thumb. Abrasion of the right wrist. Multiple confluent contusions of both hands. ntrauterine pr~gnancy. EXTERNAL DESCRPTON Body condition: ntact Length: 66 inches Weight: 124 pounds Body Heat: Cold Rigor: Not detectable Livor: Dark, posterior Hair: Brown,Eyes: Brown Teeth: Natural, see description of injuries Facial hair: None The deoedent is clothed in a hooded sweatshirt which is zipped up, a T-shirt, black pants, and pink panties. Paper bags are present on the hands. The head and clothing are bloody. Accompanying the body there S a' small envelope labeled "teeth from near victim's head." t contains several bloody teeth and fragments that belong to the victim, demonstrated by placement into sockets. The teeth are photographed and released with the body. Examination of the hands shows a single hair stuck in blood on the left hand. t is Page 2 of {j.., January 17, 2007

3 ' 01/22/ : CHEF MED. EXAMNER. PAGE 04 AUTOPSY NUMBER: DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher Young CASE NUMBER: preserved as evidence. The fingamails are also clipped and preserved as evidence. The body isthat of an adequately nourished, bloody white female who appears to be her recorded age. There is a low transverse abdominal scar. Other injuries will be described in the following section. EVDENCE OF NJURY Multiple blunt force injuries are present. numbered for convenience in description. the order of infliction. The injuries are grouped, and the groups are The numbering system is not intended to show BLUNT FORCE NJURY #1: Blunt force injury #1 consist 'of a 1" crescentic abrasion of the left deltoid region. t is surrounded by poorly defined bruising, but may represent as many as three to four discrete blows. There is no underlying significant tissue damage. BLUNT FORCE NJURY #2: Blunt force lnjuiy #2 consists of a 1 1/4'1 laceration over the left mandible. There is an underlying, complex mandibular fracture. This injury has some sharp force characteristics, most likely inflicted by the underlying bone fracture. This area is also surrounded by bruising. BLUNT FORCE NJURY #3: Blunt force injury #3 consists of a group of at least eight lacerations to the left side of the head, as indicated on the attached diagram. The lnluries range from approximately 1" to 3 3/411. The scalp is reflected to show a branching linear fracture of the left temporal bone. This branching fracture is illustrated on an accompanying diagram. BLUNT FORCE NJURY #4: Blunt force ihjury #4 consists of a set of scratches on the left side of the neck, as indicated in the attached diagram. These scratches are consistent with fingernail marks. nternal' examination of this area shows a small amount of hemorrhage in the strap muscles of the left side of the neck. This hemorrhage is photographed. BLUNT FORCE NJURY #5: Blunt force injury #5 consists of bruising, swelling and two lacerations to the lips. There is a laceration of both the upper lip and lower lip, both surrounded by extensive bruising. There are multiple underlying complex mandibular fractures. There are multiple avulsed teeth as well.. Page 3 of i!., January 17, 2007

4 , < 01/22/ :38 '31'3' CHEF MED EXAMNER PAGE 05 AUTOPSY NUMBER: DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher Young CASE NUMBER: 2006~9972 BLUNT FORCE NJURY #6; Blunt force illjury #6 consists of a 1/2" abrasion on the posterior right wrist, surrounded by confluent bruising occupying much of the posterior right hand, right thumb, and wrist. BLUNT FORCE NJURY #7: Blunt force injury #7 consists of a 1/4" laceration of the left thumb, surrounded by confluent bruising occupying much of the posterior surface of the left hand, the left fingers, and a small amount of the left forearm, as indicated on the attached diagram. BLUNT FORCE NJURY #8: Blunt force injury #8 consists of a group of at least thirteen lacerations on the back of the head, as indicated on the attached diagram. The lacerations range from 1/2" to 4 1/2" in length. There is extensive bruising connecting these lacerations. There are no directly underlying skull fractures. BLUNT FORCE NJURY #9: Blunt force injury #9 consists of a 1 1/4" abrasion on the left side of the back of the neck. BLUNT FORCE NJURY #10: Blunt force injury #10 consists of a 1 X 111 abrasion in the middle of the back of the neck. There is no underlying damage. NTE:RNAL EXAMNATON OF THE HEAO: The skull is open to reveal extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage of the brain, bilateral, and most prominent on the base of the brain. There is no evidence of herniation. The brain is removed to reveal a linear skull fracture occupying much of the posterior aspect of the left middle fossa, as indicated on the attached diagram. ADDTONAL PROCEDURES Radiographs: A radiograph of the head does not show metal fragments. Microbiology: None Chemistry: None Evidence collected: The following materials are retained as evidence: hair from the left Page 4 Of ~, January 17, 2007

5 ,. 01/22/ :38 919%25253 CHEF MED EXAMNER PAGE B5 AUTOPSY NUMBER: B06~3327 DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher Young CASE NUMBER: hand, fingernails from both hands, a head hair sample, all clothing, maternal and fetal blood samples, and a set of finger prints. PersonalEffects Dispo$ltlon: None NTERNAL EXAMNATON Body cavites: The serosal surfaces are smooth and glistening. There is no unusual accumulation of blood or fluid. Cardiovascular system: Heart: 250 qrns. The coronary arteries arise in the usual locations, are widely patent, and do not have significallt atherosclerotic disease. Serial sections of myocardium do not show evidence of acute nor of old infarction. The valves are normally formed. The descending aorta is intact and does not have significant atherosclerotic disease. Neck: The hyoid bone is intact. t is not fused, but does not have fractures either. The larynx is clear. The thyroid gland is of the usual size and configuration. See description of injuries concerning the strap muscles. Respiratory tract: Lungs: Right 230 gms, Left 220 gms. The lungs are normally formed and do not have focal lesions. Gastrointestinal tract: The 01 tract S intact throughout its length. The stomach contains 70 gms of thick partially digested food. An appendix is present and unremarkable. Liver: 1410 gms. The liver is of the usual color and consistency. The extrahepatic biliary system is intact. The gallbladder contains liquid green bile. Pancreas: Unremarkable, Spleen: 170 gms. The spleen is normally formed and does not have focal lesions. Adrenal glands: Unremarkable. Urinary tract: Kidneys: Right 100 gms, Left 110 gms. The kidneys are normally formed. and do not have focal lesions. The bladder contains approximately 30 cc of urine.. Reproductive tract: The uterus contains an amniotic sac which contains a male fetus, biparietal diameter of 4.5 cm and crown rump length of approximetely 16 cm. The fetus is normally formed. Musculoskeletal system: See description of injuries. mmunologic system: Unremarkable. Page 5 of ft. January 17, 2007

6 B1/22/2B07 10: CHEP MED EXAMNER PAGE 07 AUTOPSY NUMBER; B DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher ' Young CASE NUMBER: Head: See description of injuries. Brain: 1250 gms. focal lesions. Serial sections of brain do not show MCROSCOPC EXAMNATON Heart: There is no evidence of acute nor of old infarction. Lungs: No pathologic diagnosis. No pneumonia is present. liver: No pathologic diagnosis. Spleen: No pathologic diagnosis. Pancreas: Autolyzed. Kidneys: Autolyzed. Uterus: A section of uterine walls show the presence of placenta. Brain: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is present. SUMMARY AND NTERPRETATON Michelle Young was a 29-year-old woman who was found dead in her home along with her small child. Autopsy examination shows extensive blunt force injury. Multiple blunt force injuries to the head have resulted in lacerations, extensive abrasions and contusions, multiple fractures of the mandible, avulsion of teeth, multiple skull fractures, and SUbarachnoid hemorrhage of the brain. There is injury to the neck consistent with manual strangulation. Siunt force injury to ths left deltoid region has resulted in an abrasion and multiple contusions. Blunt force injury to the extremities has resulted in laceration of the left thumb, abrasion of the right wrist. and multiple confluent bruises over both hands. Other anatomic findings include an intrauterine pregnancy. A postmortem alcohol determination is negative. Death is most likely due to blunt force injuries to the head. Page 6 Of ~, January 17,2007

7 Bl/22/2BB7 B: l-33)1 State of North carolina CHEF MEP EXAMNER PAGE B8 N~eofDectdent:, ~ ~ _ o.ffi.cts of the Chief Medical ~ctm.irun"' Autopsy' Chapel Hilt, North Carolina :J759~158a EnnUned By: ~~~ Date:~~ FRONT BODY DAGRAM: ADULT (Front/Back) i BACK i r --'V- j (,,! i ~ ( f i r i i 1.!! DEHN.a h1l7 (4/97) ~od.tcal ~«r. This fonn may bephotocopled. PAGE.i. OF ~

8 01/22/ : 38 ' (PO t - 1?;;2 7 State of North Carolina CHEF MED EXAMNER. PAGE {1';l Name of Decedent: ~ ~_ O.tJlce of the Chilif Medical ~c:untner Autopsy ~ Chapel Hill, North Carolin« Examined 8y:~_~~_~_ Date:~ _ BODY DAGRAM: ADULT (Left/Right) DEHNR 1918 ("{97) Mod.tcatEzamlDer PAGE <1 OF ~ This fol"nt may be photoeopied.

9 131/22/ : , () u -& - ~ J;2 ( Scate q.f North carolina Office of the Chief Medi&al E:at.mtner CHEF MED E~AMNER PAGE 113 Name of Decedettt:..-.--'_~ _ Alttopsy, Ch~el HLU;North Ciu-olirta Z7599-7'SO Ex=amfued.ay: ~ Date: _ BODY DAGRAM: HEAD (front/back) < -.,, ~f:rs: L~t-4~v't).f;,/\rr.t- )o->q!f 5J SVtr9.-LJ ~j ~fw {J r:..\) \k ~ ~~)~ /.r ul.k; r---- r -fr-~,~~ /V-) AJU/Y/ -kdt Frenr <--- F;r~. ~ -i ~ /5 f~~~~f\s ) <J '<C. f~ «>: ~~ if f~~<,>j'( ~tj 12) tr9l ;), ~,..,l ~ J " \ " Back DltOOt 1919 (4/971 ~dl.ctl ETam!".r PAGE!1.:. OF' 4 Th.ls form may be phot.oc:opied.

10 01/22/ : , ~0 i: r S ~2-17 State of North. Carolina. CHEF MED EXAMNER PAGE 11 Name of Decedent:...:-.. O.f.fU!e of the Ch.ief Medical EX~iner Antopsy i# Chapel.am, North Carolina Examined By:, ~ Date: _ BODY DAGRAM: HEAD (left/right) Right Left \ ~ ~--- ~VL2 1'/'1-' /'<'-r,l "": ".~j. E L.,r frj-( ~ ~Jr( ~L.) ~'1 b(v'\ ~/J DEE'l1R 1920 (4./97) Medi~ Enmin/!!' This!oon ma.y be photocopied. PAGE..J.Q.. OF ~

11 .. 01/22/ :38 g1~g (jot - ) 'sj'7 State of North. Carolina O.fficeof the Chie.f Medical uaminer.chapel sm. North Carolina 2759g-7~80 CHEF MED EXAMNER PAGE 12 Name of Decedent: ~ _ Autopsy * Examined By:~ ~~_...;.. Date; _ BODY DAGRAM: SKULL (left/right) -',,. -,......"... ~..,-, OC~O~(4/9"T) ~ed.ie2l ~t'!r PAGE ~ OF ~ i1tis form may be photocopied

12 01/22/ :38 / ' (5r1 G - State of North Carolina O.tJ'i.ce of the Chief Medical ~~iner Chapel fill. North Carolina CHEFMED EXAMNER PAGE 13: Name of Decedent: ----~_.A1ltopsy 1# E~edBT-_~ _ Da.te:. _ BODY DAGRAM:.SKULL &: SCALP (top) FROtiT RGHT 1 ~ PEmiR 1~~ (4/97) Medical ~amh1c:r This fonn may be photocopied. PAGE f OF 1$

13 01/22/ : \-)9LJ S 5 21 State of North CA.nllina Q[Jice of the Ch«if Medical ~aminer CHEF MED EXAMNER PAGE 14 Name of l,)ecedent; ~" Autopsy * --~ Chapel HilL Nonh Carolina 27! Examined :By: Date: L BODY DAGRAM: BANDS )'(, J',.'....'. " 6r1 ~; '/) jr.}1yn S'lf'- S'...J(r,~,L,/ (,,,-flu (1'/ J1 ~ (q,')ij DElD'Ol :H&4 (4/87) Hf)d.tea1'bam:inel' Tb.i.$ form may be photocopied.. PAGE ~ OF J1