i-; i.,,,,,,,,,/2007 10:38 - wral.com...jan 22, 2007 · •. i-; 01/22i.",,,,, /2007 10:38...

•. i-;

01/22/2007 10:38 9199525253 CHIEF MED EXAMINER PAGE 02I.",,,,,,,,,A2007 - 00234

North Caroline Department of Health and Human SeI.'VU:e£Postmortem MedicolegAl :E~tion

Office of the Chief Medical ExaminerChapel Hill, NC 27599-7580

Telephone (919)9~225~

REPORT OF AUTOPSY EXAMINATION

AUTOPSY NUMBER: B06-3327

DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher Young

AGE: 29 RACE: White

CASE NUMBER: 2006-9972

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

PATHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSES

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.

of Ii., January 17, 2007

01/22/2007 10:38 9199525253 CHIEF MED EXAMINER PAGE 03

AUTOPSY NUMBER: 806-3327 DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher'Young

CASE NUMBER: 2006·9972

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.

Intrauterine pr~gnancy.

EXTERNAL DESCRIPTION

Body condition: Intact

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 arebloody.

Accompanying the body there IS a'small envelope labeled "teeth from near victim's head."It contains several bloody teeth and fragments that belong to the victim, demonstrated byplacement 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. It is

of {j.., January 17, 2007

· '

01/22/2007 10:38 9199625253 CHIEF MED. EXAMINER . PAGE 04

AUTOPSY NUMBER: 906-3327 DECEDENT: Michelle Marie FisherYoung


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 herrecorded age. There is a low transverse abdominal scar. Other injuries will be describedin the following section.

EVIDENCE OF INJURY

Multiple blunt force injuries are present. The injuries are grouped, and the groups arenumbered for convenience in description. The numbering system is not intended to showthe order of infliction.

BLUNT FORCE INJURY #1:

Blunt force injury #1 consist 'of a 1" crescentic abrasion of the left deltoid region. It issurrounded by poorly defined bruising, but may represent as many as three to fourdiscrete blows. There is no underlying significant tissue damage.


Blunt force lnjuiy #2 consists of a 1 1/4'1 laceration over the left mandible. There is anunderlying, complex mandibular fracture. This injury has some sharp forcecharacteristics, most likely inflicted by the underlying bone fracture. This area is alsosurrounded by bruising.


Blunt force injury #3 consists of a group of at least eight lacerations to the left side of thehead, as indicated on the attached diagram. The lnluries range from approximately 1" to3 3/411. The scalp is reflected to show a branching linear fracture of the left temporalbone. This branching fracture is illustrated on an accompanying diagram.


Blunt force ihjury #4 consists of a set of scratches on the left side of the neck, asindicated in the attached diagram. These scratches are consistent with fingernail marks.Internal' examination of this area shows a small amount of hemorrhage in the strapmuscles of the left side of the neck. This hemorrhage is photographed.


Blunt force injury #5 consists of bruising, swelling and two lacerations to the lips. Thereis 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 avulsedteeth as well. .

of i!., January 17, 2007

, <

01/22/2007 18:38 '31'3'3525253 . CHIEF MED EXAMINER PAGE 05

AUTOPSY NUMBER: 806-3327 DECEDENT: Michelle Marie FisherYoung

CASE NUMBER: 2006~9972

BLUNT FORCE INJURY #6;

Blunt force illjury #6 consists of a 1/2" abrasion on the posterior right wrist, surroundedby confluent bruising occupying much of the posterior right hand, right thumb, and wrist.


Blunt force injury #7 consists of a 1/4" laceration of the left thumb, surrounded byconfluent bruising occupying much of the posterior surface of the left hand, the leftfingers, and a small amount of the left forearm, as indicated on the attached diagram.


Blunt force injury #8 consists of a group of at least thirteen lacerations on the back of thehead, 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 directlyunderlying skull fractures.


Blunt force injury #9 consists of a 1 1/4" abrasion on the left side of the back of the neck.


Blunt force injury #10 consists of a 1II X 111 abrasion in the middle of the back of the neck.There is no underlying damage.

INTE:RNAL EXAMINATION OF THE HEAO:

The skull is open to reveal extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage of the brain, bilateral, andmost prominent on the base of the brain. There is no evidence of herniation. The brainis removed to reveal a linear skull fracture occupying much of the posterior aspect of theleft middle fossa, as indicated on the attached diagram.

ADDITIONAL 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

Of ~, January 17, 2007

, .

01/22/2007 10:38 919%25253 CHIEF MED EXAMINER PAGE B5

AUTOPSY NUMBER: B06~3327 DECEDENT: Michelle Marie FisherYoung


hand, fingernails from both hands, a head hair sample, all clothing, maternal and fetalblood samples, and a set of finger prints.

PersonalEffects Dispo$ltlon: None

INTERNAL EXAMINATION

Body cavitIes: The serosal surfaces are smooth and glistening. There is no unusualaccumulation of blood or fluid.

Cardiovascular system: Heart: 250 qrns. The coronary arteries arise in the usuallocations, are widely patent, and do not have significallt atherosclerotic disease. Serialsections of myocardium do not show evidence of acute nor of old infarction. The valvesare normally formed. The descending aorta is intact and does not have significantatherosclerotic disease.

Neck: The hyoid bone is intact. It is not fused, but does not have fractures either. Thelarynx is clear. The thyroid gland is of the usual size and configuration. See descriptionof injuries concerning the strap muscles.

Respiratory tract: Lungs: Right 230 gms, Left 220 gms. The lungs are normally formedand do not have focal lesions.

Gastrointestinal tract: The 01 tract IS intact throughout its length. The stomach contains70 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 biliarysystem 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 fetusis normally formed.

Musculoskeletal system: See description of injuries.

Immunologic system: Unremarkable.

of ft. January 17, 2007

B1/22/2B07 10:38 9199525253 CHIEP MED EXAMINER PAGE 07

AUTOPSY NUMBER; B06-3327 DECEDENT: Michelle Marie Fisher 'Young


Head: See description of injuries. Brain: 1250 gms. Serial sections of brain do not showfocal lesions.

MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION

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 INTERPRETATION

Michelle Young was a 29-year-old woman who was found dead in her home along withher small child.

Autopsy examination shows extensive blunt force injury. Multiple blunt force injuries tothe head have resulted in lacerations, extensive abrasions and contusions, multiplefractures of the mandible, avulsion of teeth, multiple skull fractures, and SUbarachnoidhemorrhage 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 multiplecontusions. Blunt force injury to the extremities has resulted in laceration of the leftthumb, abrasion of the right wrist. and multiple confluent bruises over both hands. Otheranatomic findings include an intrauterine pregnancy. A postmortem alcohol determinationis negative.

Death is most likely due to blunt force injuries to the head.

Of ~, January 17,2007

Bl/22/2BB7 IB:38 9199525253

60l-33)1State of North carolina

o.ffi.ctS of the Chief Medical ~ctm.irun"'

Chapel Hilt, North Carolina :J759~158a

CHIEF MEP EXAMINER PAGE B8

Autopsy'

N~eofDectdent:, ~ ~ _

EnnUned By: ~~~ Date:~~ __

BODY DIAGRAM: ADULT (Front/Back)

FRONT

irI--'V-Ij(,,!I

i~

(

II

DEHN.a h1l7 (4/97)~od.tcal ~«Ir

PAGE .i. OF ~

IIII

ifiIrIIii1. I!II!

BACK

. This fonn may bephotocopled.

01/22/2007 10: 38 ' 9199525253

(PO t - 1?;;2 7State of North Carolina

CHIEF MED EXAMINER. PAGE {1';l

O.tJlce of the Chilif Medical ~c:untner

Chapel Hill, North Carolin« 27599-7580

Autopsy ~

Name of Decedent: ~ ~_

Examined 8y:~_~~_~_ Date:~ _

DEHNR 1918 ("{97)Mod.tcatEzamlDer

PAGE <1 OF ~

BODY DIAGRAM: ADULT (Left/Right)

This fol"nt may be photoeopied.

131/22/20137 ·113: 38 9199525253, () u -& - ~ J;2 (IScate q.f North carolina

Office of the Chief Medi&al E:at.mtner

CHIEF MED E~AMINER PAGE 113

Name of Decedettt:..-.--'_~ _

Alttopsy ,

Ch~el HLU;North Ciu-olirta Z7599-7'SO Ex=amfued .ay:__ ~___ Date: _

BODY DIAGRAM: HEAD (front/back)

< -.

, , ~f:rS:L~t-4~v't) .f;

I,/\rr.t- )o->Q !f 5J

SVtr9.-LJ ~j

~fW {J r:..\) \k ~ ~~)~ /.rul.k; r---- r

-fr-~,~~ /V-) AJU/Y/-kdt

Frenr

<---€F;r~. ~ -i ~ /5

f~~~~f\S )

f~ «>: ~~ if

f~~<,>J'( ~tj 12)

tr9L I;) ,<J '<CI. . ---.....-....----- ~,..,l ~ J I" I\ I "

Back

DltIOOt 1919 (4/971~dl.ctl ETam!".r

PAGE !1.:. OF' 4Th.ls form may be phot.oc:opied.

01/22/2007 10:38 9199525253,~0 i: r S ~2-17State of North. Carolina.

O.f.fU!e of the Ch.ief Medical EX~iner

CHIEF MED EXAMINER PAGE 11

Name of Decedent: ...:-..__

Antopsy i#

Chapel .am, North Carolina 27599-7580 Examined By:, ~ Date: _

BODY DIAGRAM: HEAD (left/right)

Left

DEE'l1R1920 (4./97)

Medi~ Enmin/!!'

PAGE ..J.Q.. OF ~

Right

\~ ~---

~VL21'/'1-' /'<'-Ir,l "":

".~j.E L.I,r frJ-( ~~Jr( ~L.) ~'1 I

b(V'\ ~/JThis !oon ma.y be photocopied.

..01/22/2007 10:38 g1~g525253

(jot - ) 'sJ'7State of North. Carolina


Name of Decedent: ~ _

O.fficeof the Chie.f Medical uaminer

.Chapel sm. North Carolina 2759g-7~80

Autopsy *Examined By:~ __ ~~_.....;.. Date; _

BODY DIAGRAM: SKULL (left/right)

-' ,,. -

,.

..... ..".. •. ~•.. ,-,. - --.-

OC~O~(4/9"T)

~ed.ie2l ~t'!r

PAGE ~ OF ~i1tis form may be photocopied

01/22/2007 10:38/ '(5r1 G·I -

CHIEFMED EXAMINER PAGE 13:

O.tJ'i.ce of the Chief Medical ~~iner

Chapel Ifill. North Carolina 27599-7580

.A1ltopsy 1#

Name of Decedent: ----~_State of North Carolina

E~edBT-_~ _ Da.te:. _

•BODY DIAGRAM: .SKULL &: SCALP (top)

FROtiT

PEmiR 1~~ (4/97)Medical ~amh1c:r

PAGE If OF 1$

RIGHT

I

1 ~

This fonn may be photocopied.

01/22/2007 10:38 9199525253\-)9LJ S 5 21State of North CA.nllina

Q[Jice of the Ch«if Medical ~aminer


Name of l,)ecedent; ~"___

Autopsy *Chapel HilL Nonh Carolina 27!599-7580 Examined :By: Date:--~--------- -------

L BODY DIAGRAM:

DElD'Ol :H&4 (4/87)

Hf)d.tea1'bam:inel'

. PAGE ~ OF J1

BANDS )'(

, J' ,.' I I.I . ..' .I "

6r1 ~;'/) II jr.}1yn S'lf'-

S'...J(r ,~,L,/ J 1(,,,-flu (1'/ ~ (q,')ij

Tb.i.$ form may be photocopied.

i-; i.,,,,,,,,,/2007 10:38 - wral.com...jan 22, 2007 · •. i-; 01/22i.",,,,, /2007 10:38...

Documents