autopsy report

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TARRANT
~A1 817 920 5713
~002
CO HE
OffICe of Chief MedicalExaminer
Tarrant County Medical Examiner's District
Ta"antCoun~,Texas
200
Feliks
Gwozdz Place. Fort Worth. Texas 76104-4919
8m 920-5700 FAX(811) 920-5713
AUTOPSY REPORT
Name: SamanthaLezark
CASENO:0300234
Sex: Female
Weight: 125 pounds
Approximate Age: 29 years
Height: 67 Inches
I hereby certify that on the seventh day of January 2003, beginning at 1310
hours, I, Nizam Peerwani, M.D., pursuant to Statute 49.25 of Texas Criminal
Code, performed a complete autopsy on the body of SAMANTHA LEZARK at the
Tarrant County Medical Examiner's District Morgue in Fort Worth, Texas on the
request of Office of Medical Examiner, Wichita County, Texas, and upon
investigation of the essential facts concerning the circumstances of the death and
history of the case as known to me, I am of the opinion that the findings, cause
and manner of death are as follows:
FINDINGS:
I.
Ligature strangulation with:
A. Ligaturecomposed of co-axialcable tightlyencirclingthe neckx 3 and
II.
knottedin the front
B. Deep ligatureimpressionsof neck
C. Prominentstrapmuscleand deep para-spinalmusclehemorrhage
D. Absenceof fracturesof the hyoidbone or the laryngealcartilages
E. Facial plethorawith scatteredcutaneouspetechiae
F. Bulbar and palpebralsub-conjunctivalpetechialhemorrhage
G. Leptomeningeal
congestion,global,severe,with acute cerebraledema
Blunt force traumaof the head andface with:
A. Scalp lacerations including:
1. Laceration of left parietal scalp
2. Laceration of the right anterior parietal scalp
3. Twolacerationsof right occipital scalp
4. Prominent left and rightsubgaleal hemorrhage
B. Facial contusions and abrasions including:
1. Right zygoma
2. Right lateral chin
3. Leftear
4. Left zygoma
5. Leftpre-auricular region
6. Right and mid-forehead
STATE'S
~~IBIT
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TARRANT
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CO ME
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Office of Chief Medical Examiner
Tarrant County Medical Examiner's District
TaffantCounty,Texas
200 Fe/iks Gwozdz Place, Fort Wor1h, Texas 76104-1919
'817) 920-5700 FAX (817) 920-5713
AUTOPSY REPORT
Name: Samantha Lezark
Approximate Age: 29 years
Height: 67 inches
CASE NO:0300234
Sex: Female
Weight: 125 pounds
I hereby certify that on the seventh day of January 2003. beginning at 1310
hours, I, Nizam Peerwani, M.D., pursuant to Statute 49.25 of Texas Criminal
Code, performeda complete autopsy on the body of SAMANTHA LEZARK at the
Tarrant County Medical Examiner's District Morgue in Fort Worth, Texas on the
request of Office of Medical Examiner, Wichita County, Texas, and upon
investigation of the essential facts concerning the circumstances of the death and
history of the case as known to me, I am of the opinion that the findings, cause
and manner of death are as follows:
FINDINGS:
I.
Ligature strangulation with:
A. Ligature composed of co-axial cable tighUy encircling the neck x 3 and
knotted in the front
B. Deep ligature impressionsof neck
C. Prominent strap muscle and deep para-spinal muscle hemorrhage
D. Absence of fractures of the hyoid bone or the laryngeal cartilages
E. Facial plethora with scattered cutaneous petechiae
.
F. Bulbar and palpebral sub-conjunctival petechial hemorrhage
G. Leptomeningeal congestion, global, severe, with acute cerebral edema
II.
Blunt force trauma of the head and face with:
A. Scalp lacerations including:
1. Laceration of left parietal scalp
2. Lacerationof the rightanterior parietal scalp
3. Two lacerationsof right occipital scalp
4. Prominent left and right subgaleal hemorrhage
B. Facial contusions and abrasions including:
1. Right zygoma
2. Right lateral chin
3.
4.
5.
6.
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Left ear
Left zygoma
Left pre-auricular region
Right and mid-forehead
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TAKJ<AN'1' l;U IIlli
030234
SamanthaLezark
Page 2 of8
FINDINGS (Continued)
C. Defensive injuries includin~:
1. Simple fracture of 18 digit of left middle finger
2. Contusion of dorsal left hand
3. Contusion of dorsal distal phalangeal joint of left index finger
4. Abrasion of left dorsal wrist
5. Faint contusion of right dorsal forearm with focal superficial
abrasion
III.
6. prominent linear abrasion of right dorsal forearm along ulnar
border
Pulmonary vascular congestion, bilateral, severe, with aspiration of blood
CAUSE OF DEATH:
LIGATURE STRANGULATION
HOMICIDE
Nizam Peerwani, M.D.
Chief Medical Examiner
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Page 3 of 8
I.
CLOTHINGAND PERSONALEFFECTS: The body is presented to the
1.
2.
3.
4.
Morguecovered by a white sheet and secured in a black body bag. The
body is clad in:
BlueJeans
Gray panties
Pair ofwhitesocks
Graywithpinktank top with logo-Angie-
II.
THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION:
III.
EXTERNAL BODY DESCRIPTION: The body is that of a nonnally
None.
developed adult white female appearing the stated age of 29 years with a body
length of 67 inches and body weight of 125 pounds. Body presents medium
build with average nutrition. normal hydration and good preservation. There is
moderate rigor with developed posterior fixed lividityof normal color. Body is
cold to touch post refrigeration. Head is covered by short, straight, brown hair
with non-receding anterior hairline and without balding. Face is plethoric and
edematous with sCattered cutaneous petechiae. Blunt force facial injury is noted.
There is slgith body hair of female pattern distribution. The pubis is shaved.
Eyes are slightly open with clear bulbar and palpebral conjunctivae and with early
tache noire. There are prominent petechiae of bulbar and palpebral conjunctivae.
Irides are brown with white sclerae. Cataracts are not identified. Arcus senilis
are absent. Pupils are equal at 3 mm. Orbits appear normal. Nasal cavities are
unremarkable with intact septum. Oral cavity natural teeth with good oral hygiene
characterized by absence of caries. Ups appear dry and are wihout trauma.
There are no mucosal contusions or lacerations. Both the frenulum are intact.
Ears are unremarkable with no hemorrhage in the external auditory canal. Neck
is rigid and there are no palpable masses. There is a tight ligature noted
encircling the neck with prominent soft ligature impression. Chest is symmetrical
without barrel configuration. Small breasts are present without palpable masses.
Abdomen is scaphoid and palpation non-revealing. Upper and lower extremities
are equal and symmetrical presenting cyanotic nailbeds without clubbing. Edema
is absent. There are no fractures, injuries, deformities or amputations present.
External genitalia present intact introitus with unremarkable vulva and vagina.
Careful examination fails to reveal traumatic injuries. Sexual assault specimens
are collected. The back reveals dependent lividitywith contact pallor.
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SCARS:
None
TATTOOS: Multipleincluding
1.
A nude female along leftlateral ann
2. A dragon with butterfly and inscriptions .John" and .Sharon" along left
medial leg
3.
A dragon along left anterior thigh
4.
Female with wings along right lateral ann
5.
A complex tattoo along left dorsal foreaon with "In Loving Memory The
6.
Boog" and "9-94"and "3-20-00" below the inscription
A heart with ·John" and surrounding inscription reading "In My""Forever",
alongthe left upperchest
DESC I TIONOF LIGATURESTRANGULATIO:
The neck presents a
tight encircling ligature composed of tan colored coaxial cable, wrapped three
times and knotted (simple knot) along the anterior region. The ligature Is above
the thyroid prominence. On removal of the ligature, prominent deep indentations
of the soft tissue of the neck is noted with areas of abrasions as well as
contusions.
On layered dissection,the neck presentsan intact hyoid bone as well as thyroid
and cricoidcartilages. Larynx is comprisedof vocal cords and folds, appearing
widely patent but hyperemic, withoutforeign material, and is lined by slightly
boggy edematous membrane. Epiglottisis a characteristic plate-like structure
withoutedema, trauma or pathologicallesions. There are patchy prominent areas
of soft tissue hemorrhageof the anterior strap musclesas wellas the deep para-
spinal muscles. The vascular appears unremarkable. Trachea and spine are in
the midlinepresenting no traumaticinjuriesor pathologieallesions.
SummarY of Findinas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Ugature composed of co-axialcable tightlyencirclingthe neckx 3 and
knottedin the front
Deep ligatureimpressions of neck
Prominentstrap muscle and deep para-spinal muscle hemorrhage
Absenceof fracturesof the hyoidbone or the laryngealcartilages
5.
Facialplethora with scattered cutaneous petechiae
6.
Bulbar and palpebral sub-conjunctival petechial hemorrhage
Leptomeningeal
congestion, global, severe, with acute cerebral edema
7.
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~UU7
0300234
S8nanthaLezaJtt
PageS 018
BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA OF THE HEAD AND FACE:
A.
Scalp lacerations including:
1.
Laceration of left parietal scalp, 64-3/4 inches above the leftftleel and 1-1/2
inches left of posterior mid-line, measuring 7/8 inch with derm~1 bridging and
marginal abrasion. There is associated prominent underlying left parietal
subgaleal hemorrhage
2.
Laceration of the right anterior parietal scalp, 67 inches above the right
heel, 2 inches right of the posterior midline, measuring 1 inch with dermal
bridging and marginal abrasion. There is associated prominent undertying right
anterior parietal subgaleal hemorrhage
3.
Two lacerations of right occipital scalp, the larger located 64-1/2 inches
above the right heel and 2-1/2 inches right of posterior midline, measuring % inch
with dermal bridging and marginal abrasion. There is associated prominent
underlying right occipital subgaleal hemorrhage. Slightly below this laceration,
there is a smaller laceration, measuring only % inch with surrounding abrasion.
B.
Facial contusions and abrasions including:
1.
Contusionof right zygoma measuring 1-1/2 inches by 1 inch
2.
Contusion of right lateral chin, along the mandibular rim, measuring 1-1/4
5.
inches by 1 inch with a small abrasion measuring 1/8 inch
Contusion of left ear along the mid-rim measuring % Inch in diameter
Contusion of left zygoma measuring 1 inch in diameter
Contusion of left pre-auricular region measuring 1 inch by % inch
6.
Circularcontusionof mid-forehead measuring 1-1/4 inches and
3.
4.
incorporation two parallel superficial abrasions, each measuring % inch.
Also present is a prominent deep abrasion of right forehead measuring %
inch.
DEFENSIVE INJURIES:
1.
Simplefracture of 1st digit of leftmiddlefingerwithsoft tissue hemorrhage
and swelling
2.
3.
4.
Contusionof dorsal left hand measuring 1-1/2 inches by % inch
Contusionof dorsal distal phalangealjointof leftindexfingermeasuring%
inchby % inch
Abrasionof leftdorsal wristcoveringa surface % inch by 3/8 inch
5.
Faintcontusionofrightdorsalforearmmeasuring2 inches by 1 inchwith
focal superficialabrasionmeasuring3/8 inch
6.
Prominentlinearabrasion of rightdorsal foreaon along ulnar border
measuring% inch
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Page 6 of8
IV.
III008
0300234
'anthaLezark
INTERNAL EXAMINATION
1.
INTEGUMENTS:A V-shaped thoraco-abdominalincisionis made and the
organs are examined in situ and eviscerated in the usual fashion. The
subcutaneous fat is nonnally distributed, moist and bright yellow. The
musculatureofthe chest and abdominalarea is of nonnalcolorand texture.
2.
SEROUS CAVITIES: The chest wall is intact without rib, sternal or
clavicular fractures. The pleura and peritoneum are congested, smooth
glistening and essentially dry, devoid of adhesions or effusion. There is no
scoliosis, kyphosisor lordosis present. The leftand rightdiaphragms are in their
normal location and appear grossly unremarkable. Pericardial sac is intact
smooth glisteningand contains nonnal amounts of serous fluid.
3.
CARDIOVASCULAR
SYSTEM: The heart is of normal size and weighs
240.1 gms and there is absence of chamber hypertrophyor dilatation. Left
ventricular wall is 1.5 cms and the right 0.5 ems. Cardiac valves are
unremar1<ablewith the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid valves having a
circumferenceof6.5, 9, 7 and 11 ems respectively. The coronaryostia are in the
normal anatomical location leading into widely patent coronary arteries. Right
dominant circulation is present. The endocardial surface is smooth without
thrombi or inflammation.Sectioning of the myocardium presents no gross
evidence of ischemicchanges either of recent or remote origin. The aortic arch
along withthe great vessels present minimalatheroscelrosis. Congenitalcardiac
anomalies are absent.
4.
PULMONARY
SYSTEM: The neck has been described above.
Lungs are hyper inflated and together weigh 1120.9 gms. Both the lungs appear
severely congested and edematous and on sectioning frothy edema fluid can be
easily expressed. There are no gross pneumonic lesions or abnormal masses
identified. The tracheobronchial tree contains large amounts of amounts
inspissated frothy edema fluid and pulmonary arterial system is unremarkable
without thrombo-emboli. Pleural surface is pink with mild anthracosis.
5.
GASTROINTESTINAL
SYSTEM: Esophagus is intact with normal
gastro-esophageal junction and without erosions or varices. Stomach is also
nonnal withoutgastritisor ulcers. Stomach is devoid of food particles. Loops of
small and large bowel appear grossly unremarkable. The appendix is
unremarkable.
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~ilmanma L8Z8K
t
smooth
Liver is of normal size and weighs 1219.4 gms presenting a bro
glistening surface. On sectioning the hepatic parenchyma is yell w-brown.
I
homogeneous and congested.
Gallbladder ! is unremal1<able ontaining
approximately 5 mL of greenish bile. There is no qholecystitis or lithiases. Biliary
tree is patent. Pancreas weighs 115.4 gms and presents a lobulated yellow cut
surface withoutacute or chronicpancreatitis.
;
6.
GENITOURINARYSYSTEM: Left and right kidneys weigh 107.4 gms and
112.0 gms respectively. The capsules strip with aase and the cortical surfaces
are smooth, brown, glistening and congested. orl sectioning the cortex presents
a nonnal thickness of 4-5 mm above the medull.. The renal columns of Bertin
extend between the well demarcated pyramids ~nd appear unremal1<able.The
medulla presents normal renal pyramids with un~mal1<able papillae. The pelvis
is of nonnal size and lined by gray glistening mucosa. There are no calculi.
Renal arteries and veins are normal.
,
The ureters are of normalcaliber lyingin their co~rse withinthe retro peritoneum
and draining into an unremarkable urinary blad~er containing 2 mL of urine.
Externalgenitaliaare those of an adult female withintact vulva and vagina.
I
Uterus is is small non-gravid presenting smooth glistening pink serosa with
unremarkableunderlyingmyometriumand endom~trium.Cervixis patent and the
endocervical canal is unremarka~le. Ectocervlca~region is focally eroded. The
vaginal vault is moist and intact without contu~ions. erosiops or lacerations.
There are no traumatic or malignant lesions preSent. Fallopiantubes are intact
and grossly unremarkable. Ovaries present nomia. size and shape with pearly
gray convoluted surface and on sectioning reveals scattered corpora albicantes
along with several small follicles. Small foUidularcysts are also present
measuring 2 mm to 4 mm in diameter.
I
r
7.
HEMATOPOIETICSYSTEM: Spleen weig~s 62.8 gms presenting a grey
smooth capsule and on sectioning reveals a retidish-brown soft splenic pulp.
There is no lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow is re~ and firm and thymus gland is
involuted.
~
8.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: Thyroid gland rs of nonnal size and shape
presenting two well-defined lobes with connecting isthmus and a beefy brown
cut-surface. There are no goitrous changes ort adenomas presenl Adrenal
glands are of normal size and shape and Sectioning present no gross
pathological lesions. Pituitary gland is encased wif,in and intact sella turcica and
presents no gross pathological lesions.
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Page 8 of 8
_0300234
anthalszark
9.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: A sdalp incision, cran' tomy and
evacuation of the brain is carried out in the! usual fashion. S Ip reveals
prominent lacerations with associated underlying ~ubgaleal hemorrha e as noted
above. Calvarium is intact withoutbonyabnormal~s or fractures.
~
I
Brain weighs 1450 gms presenting severe congestion of the leptomeninges.
Overlying dura is intact and unremarkable. C~rebral hemispheres reveal a
nonnal gyral pattern with prominent global edema.! Brainstem and carebelli show
similar changes with bilateral moderate uncal a~ cerebellar tonsillar notching.
Circle of Willis is patent presenting no evidence oflthrombosis or berry aneurysm.
On coronal sectioning of the brain the ventricul~r system is symmetrical and
contains clear cerebrospinal fluid. There are i no space occupying lesions
present. Spinalcord is not examined.
.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
30 mL of femoralvein blood, 30 mL of aortiJ blood, 2 mL of vitreous and 2
mL of urine for toxicology
Representative tissue sections in fonnalln ;
Twenty photos on roll # 010352 and eight o~ roll # 010309
Brood card
Criminalistic evidence including:
a.
Blood in red top and purple tubes
b.
Pulled scalp hair
c.
Six vaginal, four oral. four anal and
peri-anal swabs
d.
One vaginal. oral and anal smears
e.
Fingernail scrap,lngsand cuttings. bilateral
Ligature
All clothing items (listed above)
Fingerprints and palmprints
Trace evidence collected by Pat Eddings. B~, Senior Trace Analyst
Completed:
NSP:np
January 08. 2003
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Office of Chief Medical Examiner
Tarrant, Denton and Parker Counties, Texas
200 Feliks Gwozdz Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76104-4919 .
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