PRELIMINARY AUTOPSY REPORT: BRITTANY LYNN
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Decedent: Brittany Lynn
Age: 6
Sex: Female
Case Number: RH–1993–731
Date of Autopsy: 09/07/1993
Performed By: Alan H. Mercer, M.D.
Location: Ricochet County Morgue
Requested By: Ricochet Hollow Sheriff’s Office
IDENTIFICATION
The body was identified as Brittany Lynn by visual identification and confirmation by family.
CONDITION OF BODY
The body was received clothed and secured in an evidence body bag (see Evidence Log #001). Rigor mortis was present and consistent with a postmortem interval extending beyond 24 hours. Lividity was fixed and observed in dependent areas.
The body exhibited evidence of water exposure consistent with submersion following death.
EXTERNAL EXAMINATION
The body is that of a well-nourished juvenile female.
Multiple abrasions were observed on exposed areas of the extremities, consistent with contact with rocks or rough surfaces.
Examination of the neck revealed faint contusions and patterned discoloration, most prominent along the anterior and lateral aspects. No ligature furrow or patterned ligature marks were identified.
Ligature material consisting of clear monofilament fishing line was present, with associated rocks recovered and documented separately by law enforcement. The placement and configuration of the ligature material indicate postmortem application.
No defensive wounds were identified on the hands or forearms.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION
Internal examination of the neck structures revealed soft tissue hemorrhage in the anterior neck musculature, consistent with external compressive force.
Petechial hemorrhages were observed in the conjunctivae and facial tissues.
The hyoid bone and laryngeal cartilages were intact.
Examination of the lungs revealed no significant water aspiration, supporting death prior to submersion.
There was no evidence of significant natural disease or congenital abnormality.
ADDITIONAL FINDINGS
The examination revealed injuries and findings consistent with nonconsensual activity. Due to the age of the decedent, these findings are considered significant and non-accidental.
Biological samples were not present.
TOXICOLOGY
Toxicology screening was negative for alcohol and common controlled substances.
TIME OF DEATH
Based on postmortem changes, environmental exposure, and condition of the body, the estimated time of death is between the afternoon and evening hours of September 3, 1993.
A more precise determination is not possible.
CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH
Cause of Death:
Asphyxia due to manual strangulation.
Manner of Death:
Homicide.
COMMENTS
Findings indicate death occurred prior to submersion, with subsequent postmortem manipulation of the body.
The weighting of the body using fishing line and rocks is consistent with an attempt to impede discovery.
The findings are not consistent with accidental death or drowning.
Submitted by:
Alan H. Mercer, M.D.
Medical Examiner
Ricochet County
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