The Case of the Dead Guy at the Ol Tavern

Forensic AnthropologyThe Case of the Dead Guy at the Ol TavernOl Tavern DeathA 61-year old male was brought into the emergency room unresponsive and clinically shocked out.His blood pressure was unobtainable; his heart sounds irregular and distant; respirations grasping; his pupils dilated and fixedHe was pronounced dead 15-20 minutes after arrival at the emergency room.Ol Tavern DeathThis man was found lying on his back in the parking lot behind a tavern. Gambling, drug trafficking, and prostitution were common place activities at the tavern.A witness observed a car suddenly speed out of the parking lot, run a red light, and leave the scene at a high rate of speed.Homicide detectives noted traumatic injuries and considered the man to have been beaten, robbed, and dumped from an automobile.Autopsy ReportFractured right ribs #2-11Fractured left rib #12Right hemothorax (100ml)Contusions and lacerations of the right lungExtensive laceration of liverHemoperitoneumLacerations on the right kidneyNatural diseaseMild arteriosclerotic heart diseaseModerate pulmonary emphysemaModerate to advanced fatty metamorphosis of the liverCause of DeathWhat is cause of death?The cause of death refers to the medical reasons that death occurred such as bleeding out or blunt force trauma to the head.What was the cause of death of the man at the ol tavern?Trauma to the chest and abdomen Manner of DeathWhat is manner of death?Manner of death refers to the motive/reason why someone died.There is only 5 manners of deathAccidentalHomicidalNaturalSuicidalUndeterminedManner of DeathQuestion to answer:Was this man beaten to death?

What kind of information would you need to determine Manner of Death?Look at the Injury Pattern NOT suggestive of a beatingSevere blunt crushing trauma with a major force vector directed obliquely with anterior and posterior force (fracturing ribs and lacerating internal organs)No injuries to hands or knucklesDefensive injuries not apparentAbrasions on skin was from pressure and not a sliding abrasion Not thrown from automobileNo bumper impact Not struck by automobileToxicology ReportEthanol(Drink)Methanol(Wood)Isopropanol(Rubbing)BLOOD411 mg/dl*45.5 mg/dl*3.5 mg/dl**Milligrams per deciliter (1/10th liter)100 mg/dl is 0. 1%Lifestyle and Additional FindingsTavern owner stated that the victim was at his tavern that nightThe owner characterized the deceased as one of the nightly drunksThe victim was an alcoholic who would drink ANYTHING beer, wine, whiskey, rubbing alcoholThe victim entered the bar late in the evening inebriated, purchased a few drinks, bummed several additional drinks, and staggered out of the tavern around 12:30 a.m.Owner of the Speeding Auto Stated:He and a friend had been drinking heavily and left the tavern at about 1:00 a.m.The two walked to their automobile from the front of the tavern, backed up a short distance, and left the lotDuring the backing-up process, he felt a bump and thought he had backed into another automobileHe left the parking lot hurriedly, fearing a DUI.His friend confirmed his story.What is the Manner of Death?ACCIDENTALWhy an Accident?The driver admitted drinking heavily and driving under the influence, but Reckless Homicide could not be filed since:No blood alcohol determinations were obtainedThe driver was located days later

It could be argued that the victims extreme intoxicated state was probably a greater factor in placing him in a precarious position to be killed than the drivers alleged intoxicated condition.