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HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-05698-LM Coroner Records_Redacted ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 2 2021-10-07 WTT This is Dr. M.D., dictating autopsy case #21 -05698-LM; the decedent is EXTERNAL EXAMINATION EVIDENCE OF MEDICAL INTERVENTION 1. Combination tube extending from the mouth. 2. Two small caliber catheters extending from the bilateral upper chest. 3. Medical monitoring pads adhered to the right arm and left abdomen. 4. White medical identification band of the right wrist. 5. A black tourniquet over the proximal left thigh. 6. Intraosseous catheters extending from the bilateral anterior legs. GENERAL: The decedent is received in a white body bag, zippered closed with a seal in place. Once the body bag is opened, the decedent is found unclad. The body is that of a normally developed, well-nourished man appearing consistent with the listed age of 43 years. The length is 71 inches, and the weight is 177 pounds as received. POSTMORTEM CHANGES: The body is well preserved, cool to touch, and has not been embalmed. Rigidity is absent in the jaw and extremities. Lividity is dorsal, red, and non-blanching with pressure. HEAD: The scalp is shaved bald. There is brown and gray hair within the mustache distribution of full density. The beard is cleanly shaven. The ears are normally formed and located. The irides are light brown in color and the corneas are clear. The conjunctivae and sclerae are free of pet echiae or evidence of injury. The nasal bridge and facial bones are intact and free of palpable fractures. The lips are normally formed. The teeth are natural. NECK: The neck is straight and symmetrical. CHEST: The chest appears symmetrical, and the breasts are without palpable masses. ABDOMEN: The abdomen is flat and soft without palpable masses. ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 3 2021-10-07 WTT EXTERNAL GENITALIA: The external genitalia are that of a normal circumcised adult male with both testes palpable in the scrotum. UPPER EXTREMITIES: The arms are normally formed. The fingernails are trimmed. The dorsal left hand has numerous linear and irregular shaped healed scars which range between 1/4 to 1-1/2 inches in greatest dimensions. The ventral left forearm has a linear, broad band of healed scar measuring 5-1/2 inches in length and 1/2-inch in width. LOWER EXTREMITIES: The legs are normally formed and free of edema. The toenails are trimmed. BACK: The back is straight and symmetrical. The lower left back has a thin, linear, 1-1/8 inch healed scar. TATTOOS: There are numerous tattoos over the body surfaces which include the bilateral arms, the dorsolateral left hand, the anterior and posterior torso, and the left leg. EVIDENCE OF INJURY I. SEVENTEEN GUNSHOT ENTRANCE WOUNDS OF THE RIGHT UPPER EXTREMITY, THE ANTERIOR TORSO, AND THE BILATERAL LOWER EXTREMITIES: A. The superomedial right shoulder has an ovoid shaped gunshot entrance wound lying in the sagittal planes, which measures 3/8 x 5/16 inches. It is centered 2-5/8 inches lateral to the lateral right neck border, 8-3/4 inches from the top of the head, and 5 inches right of the anterior neck midline. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from back to front, right to left, and downward. The deep wound track is in the direction of the right clavicle where there is a fracture of the right clavicle and a metal jacketed, mushroom shaped, oxidized bullet found posterior to the right clavicle (described below under Roman Numeral IV, a). There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint on the outside surrounding skin of this gunshot entrance wound. ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 4 2021-10-07 WTT B. The superolateral right shoulder has a rounded shaped gunshot entrance wound measuring 3/8 inches in diameter and centered 9-1/8 inch from the top of the head and 7-3/8 inches right of the anterior neck midline. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from back to front, right to left, and downward towards the right chest cavity and lungs. There is no soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin of this gunshot entrance wound. C. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the proximal lateral right arm which is ovoid in shape and lies in the direction towards the 1-7 o’clock direction. It measures 7/16 x 5/16 inches and is centered 11-5/8 inches from the top of the head, 9-1/4 inches right of the anterior neck midline, and 28-1/2 inches proximal to the third right fingertip. It has a semilunar shaped, dry, red abrasion at its 7 o’clock border which measures up to 3/16 inches in width. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from front to back, right to left, and upward towards the distal right neck/ shoulder region (where there is an oxidized, metal jacketed, mushroom shaped bullet found; described below under Roman Numeral IV, b). D. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the proximal medial right forearm which is ovoid shaped, vertically oriented, and measures 3/8 x 5/16 inches. Its superior border has an irregular shaped, red abrasion which measures 1/8 x 3/16 inches. It is centered 1-inch left of the right elbow midline and 17 inches proximal to the third right fingertip. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from front to back, left to right, and downward towards a gunshot exit wound over the ventral lateral right wrist/forearm (described below under Roman Numeral III, #1). A probe is placed, and these two wounds do have a connecting wound track. E. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the superior right chest which is ovoid shaped, obliquely oriented towards the 4-10 o’clock direction, and measures 3/8 x 5/16 inches. It has a semilunar shaped, pink abrasion at its 8-4 o’clock border which measures up to 5/16 inches in width. It is centered 11 inches from the top of the head and 5-5/8 inches right of the anterior neck midline. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from back to front, right to left, and downward. ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 5 2021-10-07 WTT F. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the left chest which is ovoid shaped, horizontally oriented, and measures 3/8 x 5/16 inches. It is centered 5 inches left of the chest midline and 16 inches from the top of the head. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from left to right and downward with indistinct sagittal de viation (possibly back to front). G. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the right upper quadrant of the abdomen which is rounded shaped and measures 3/8 inches in diameter. It is centered 1-1/8 inch right of the abdominal midline and 20-7/8 inches from the top of the head. It has patchy, peripheral, irregular shaped, brown abrasions which range from 1/8 to 1/4-inch in width. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from front to back, left to right, and upward. This gunshot entrance wound overlies gaping gunshot defect of the transverse colon. H. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the lateral right abdomen which is ovoid shaped, vertically oriented, and measures 3/8 x 1/4-inch. It has patchy, dry, red, peripheral abrasions which range between 1/8 to 3/16 inches in width. It is centered 6-3/4 inches circumferentially right of the abdominal midline and 27-3/4 inches from the top of the head. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound track is indistinct, but appears to be front to back and upward with indistinct horizontal deviation. This gunshot entrance wound directly overlies a gaping gunshot defect of the ascending colon and its attached mesentery. I. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the left upper quadrant of the abdomen which is rounded shaped, measures 5/16 inches in diameter, is centered 7/8 inches left of the abdominal midline, and 22-1/8 inch from the top of the head. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from front to back with indistinct horizontal deviation, but in a downward direction. This gunshot entrance wound directly overlies a gaping gunshot defects of the transverse colon and left side of the liver. J. The left lower quadrant of the abdomen has an ovoid shaped, horizontally oriented, 3/8 x 5/16 inch gunshot entrance wound which is centered 5/8 ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 6 2021-10-07 WTT inches left of the abdominal midline and 29-5/8 inches from the top of the head. It has peripheral, dry, red abrasions which range from 1/16 to 1/8- inch in width. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the gunshot wound track appears to extend from front to back and upward with indistinct horizontal deviation. K. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the lateral right hip which is rounded shaped and measures 3/8-inch in diameter. It is centered 33-3/4 inches from the top of the head and 7-7/8 inches circumferentially right of the abdominal midline. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from back to front, right to left, and upward into the lateral right hip bone. On internal examination it is confirmed that the bullet perforates the lateral right iliac wing and is found lodged within that bone (described below under Roman Numeral IV, j). L. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the distal plantar right foot which is rounded shaped and measures 1/4-inch in diameter. It is centered 2-3/16 inches proximal to the third right toe tip and 3/4-inches right of the sole of the foot midline. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. This wound track directly corresponds to a gunshot exit wound over the dorsal right foot (described below under Roman Numeral III, #2). M. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the posteromedial left thigh which is ovoid shaped, horizontally oriented, and measures 1/2-inch x 5/16 inches. There is associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the gunshot wound track extends from back to front, left to right, and upward where it directly connects to a gunshot exit wound over the anteromedial left thigh (described below under Roman Numeral III, #4). N. There is an atypical gunshot entrance wound of the distal anterior left thigh (just above the left knee) which is primarily ovoid shaped and obliquely oriented towards the 11-5 o’clock direction. It has a few small/tiny peripheral lacerations on its edges. It is centered 1/4-inch right of the anterior left thigh midline and 23-1/4 inches proximal to the left heel. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. Its wound track extends from front to back, left to right, and upward towards the left pelvic/hip region. A corresponding bullet is ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 7 2021-10-07 WTT found within the skeletal muscles and soft tissues of the left groin/proximal left thigh (described below under Roman Numeral IV, m). O. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the proximal lateral left leg which is rounded shaped and measures 5/16 inches in diameter. It is centered 3- 1/2 inches circumferentially left of the posterior left calf midline and 18-5/8 inches proximal to the left heel. There is no associat ed soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound path extends from back to front, left to right, and upward. Internal examination reveals that there is an underlying fracture of the left fibular bone and the distal left femur bone. Within the depths of this bone there is a portion of copper colored jacket and many gray metallic fragments found embedded within the distal left femur (described below under Roman Numeral IV, k). P. There is a gunshot entrance wound of the distal medial right buttock which is ovoid shaped, horizontally oriented, and measures 5/16 x 1/4-inch. It is centered 1-3/8 inches to the right of the vertical midline buttock fold and 35-1/2 inches from the top of the head. There is no associated soot, stippling, or muzzle imprint identified on the surrounding skin. From external examination, the wound track appears to extend from back to front, right to left, and upward. On internal examination the wound track appears to extend into the L2 - L4 bony spinal column (where there is an oxidized, metal jacketed, mushroom shaped bullet identified; described below under Roman Numeral IV, h). Q. The mid-right buttock has an ovoid shaped, horizontally oriented gunshot entrance wound which measures 5/16 x 1/8-inch. It is centered 3-1/4 inches right of the vertical midline buttock fold and 34-7/8 inches from the top of the head. From external examination, the wound track appears to be from back to front and upward with indistinct horizontal deviation. On internal examination an associated oxidized, metal jacketed, mushroom shaped bullet is found embedded in the posterior right pelvic bone (described below under Roman Numeral IV, i). II. INTERNAL INJURIES SECONDARY TO MULTIPLE GUNSHOT WOUNDS: There are gunshot defects of the bilateral lungs, with 500 mL of red, bloody fluid in the right chest cavity and 800 mL of bloody fluid in the left chest cavity. There is also a gaping gunshot defect of the bilateral cardiac atria ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 8 2021-10-07 WTT and aortic valve with approximately 30 mL of bloody fluid within the pericardial sac. There are multiple gunshot defects of the bilateral diaphragms. There are gunshot defects of the esophagus, jejunum small intestine, and the large intestine (the ascending colon, a gaping defect of the transverse colon, and the sigmoid colon). There is a gunshot defect of the hilar region of the left kidney with subsequent disruption of the renal artery and vein. There is a gaping, stellate-type, through and through gunshot defect of the left lobe of the liver. There is subsequent 200 ml of red, bloody fluid with pasty, green fecal matter within the abdomen. There are also gunshot defects of the thoracic aorta and two through and through gunshot defects of the abdominal aorta (with disruption of the attached iliac arteries). There are palpable fractures of the distal left femur and the proximal left fibular bone. There is also a palpable displaced fracture of the proximal right humerus. III. GUNSHOT EXIT WOUNDS (four): 1. There is a gunshot exit wound of the ventral lateral right wrist/forearm which is irregular shaped and measures 7/8 x 1/4 -inch. It is centered 9-3/4 inches proximal to the third right fingertip and 1-1/4 inch right of the ventral right forearm midline. The wound track is directly associ ated with and connects to a gunshot entrance wound of the medial proximal right forearm/elbow (described above under Roman Numeral I, and D). 2. There is a gunshot exit wound of the dorsal right foot which is irregular shaped, vertically oriented, and measures 1-3/8 x 1/2-inch. It is centered 3- 1/4 inches proximal to the third right toe tip and 5/8 inches right of the dorsal right foot midline. The wound track is directly associated with and connects to a gunshot entrance wound of the plantar right foot (d escribed above under Roman Numeral I, and L). 3. There is a gunshot exit wound of the left back which is slit -like in shape, obliquely oriented at the 11-5 o’clock direction, and measures 7/16 x 3/16 inches. It is centered 3-3/4 inches left of the back midline and 20-1/4 inches from the top of the head. A distinct corresponding gunshot entrance wound is not found associated with this gunshot exit wound (secondary to the nature of the multiple gunshot entrance wounds entering, crossing paths and involving the torso). ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 9 2021-10-07 WTT 4. There is a gunshot exit wound of the anteromedial left thigh which is irregular shaped, obliquely oriented towards the 1-7 o’clock direction, and measures 15/16 x 1/2-inch. It is centered 4-3/4 inches circumferentially right of the anterior left thigh midline and 28-3/4 inches proximal to the left heel. This gunshot exit wound directly corresponds to and connects to a gunshot entrance wound over the posteromedial left thigh (described above under Roman Numeral I, and M). IV. BULLETS/PROJECTILES RECOVERED (thirteen): a. There is an oxidized, metal jacketed, gray metallic bullet recovered from behind the right clavicle (where there is a fracture). This bullet appears to correspond to the entrance at the superomedial right shoulder (described above under Roman Numeral I, A). b. The distal lateral right neck/shoulder has an oxidized, metal jacketed, gray metallic, mushroomed shaped bullet which appears to correspond to the gunshot entrance wound over the proximal lateral right arm (described above under Roman Numeral I, C). c. The skin of the lateral right upper back does not have any indicative discoloration or bulging, however a firm object is palpated within the deep soft tissues of this region. This area is indicated on the diagram that depicts the back of the body, as a question mark in a circle. This area is centered 3 inches right of the back midline and 13-5/8 inches from the top of the head. Once the overlying skin is cut, it reveals a large chunk of gray metallic bullet core. There is no corresponding gunshot entrance wound or distinct wound track identified for this bullet (due to the multiple gunshot wounds with overlapping wound tracks and involving the internal torso). d. The medial upper right back has an area of bulging, pi nk discoloration which measures 1-1/8 inches in diameter. There is a palpable firm object within the underlying subcutaneous tissues of this region. This region is centered 1-inch right of the back midline and 15-1/4 inches from the top of the head. Once the overlying skin is cut, an oxidized, copper jacketed, mushroom shaped bullet is recovered within the subcutaneous tissues and skeletal muscles below the skin. There is no corresponding gunshot entrance wound or distinct wound track identified for this bullet (due to the multiple gunshot wounds with overlapping wound tracks and involving the internal torso). ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 10 2021-10-07 WTT e. The lateral upper left back skin has no overlying indicative discoloration or bulging, however palpation within that region reveals an underlying subcutaneous tissue firm mass. This region is centered 12-1/4 inches from the top of the head and 2 inches left of the back midline. On the diagrams of the body, this area is indicated on the back as a question mark in a circle over the left back. Once the skin over this region is cut, it reveals an oxidized, metal jacketed, metallic, mushroom shaped bullet within the subcutaneous tissues. There is no corresponding gunshot entrance wound or distinct wound track identified for this bullet (due to the multiple gunshot wounds with overlapping wound tracks and involving the internal torso). f. The lower left back has an area of bulging, green and pink skin discoloration which measures 1-3/4 inches in diameter. There is a firm, palpable, subcutaneous mass within this region. This region is centered 22-3/8 inches from the top of the head and 2-5/8 inches left of the back midline. Once the overlying skin is cut, it reveals an oxidized, metal, gray metallic, mushroom shaped bullet. There is no corresponding gunshot entrance wound or distinct wound track identified for this bullet (due to the multiple gunshot wounds with overlapping wound tracks and involving the internal torso). g. Once the Y-shaped incision is performed over the anterior torso, an oxidized metal, gray metallic, mushroom shaped bullet is recovered from the skeletal muscles and subcutaneous tissues of the lateral left peritoneal lining. There is no corresponding gunshot entrance wound or distinct wound track identified for this bullet (due to the multiple gunshot wounds with overlapping wound tracks and involving the internal torso). h. An oxidized metal, gray metallic core, mushroom shaped bullet is recovered from the L2/L3 anterior bony spine. The underlying spinal cord does not appear to be affected. This bullet appears to be associated with a wound track that leads to a gunshot entrance wound of the distal medial right buttock (described above under Roman Numeral I, P). i. The posterior right pelvic bone has an oxidized metal, gray metallic core, mushroom shaped bullet found embedded. This bullet appears to correspond to and connect to a gunshot entrance wound of the mid-right buttock (described above under Roman Numeral I, Q.) j. An oxidized metal, gray metallic core, mushroom shaped bullet is found embedded in the lateral right iliac wing of the pelvic bone. This bullet and ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 11 2021-10-07 WTT its wound track are found associated with a gunshot entrance wound over the lateral right hip (described above under Roman Numeral I, K.) k. The distal left femur is partially fractured, and it has portions of a copper colored jacket and multiple gray metallic fragments found embedded within it. These bullet fragments are found associated with a gunshot entrance wound over the proximal lateral left leg (described above under Roman Numeral I, O). l. An oxidized metal, gray metallic core, mushroom shaped bullet is found posterior to the left 9th and 10th ribs (within the skeletal muscles of the back). There is no corresponding gunshot entrance wound or distinct wound track identified for this bullet (due to the multiple gunshot wounds with overlapping wound tracks and involving the internal torso). m. An oxidized metal, gray metallic core, mushroom shaped bullet is found within the skeletal muscles and soft tissues of the left groin/proximal left thigh region. Associated disruption of the left femoral artery and vein are not identified. This bullet and its wound track are found associated with an atypical gunshot entrance of the distal anterior left thigh (described above under Roman Numeral I, N). INTERNAL EXAMINATION BODY CAVITIES: The right and left chest cavities contain 500 and 800 mL of red, bloody fluid, respectively. The pericardial sac has a gunshot wound and contains 30 mL of red, bloody fluid. There are multiple gunshot wounds of the bilateral diaphragm. The abdominal fat layer measures up to 3.0 cm in thickness. The peritoneal cavity contains 200 mL of red, bloody fluid with green, pasty fecal matter. There are multiple gunshot wounds of the intestines, liver, and the hilar region of the left kidney. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: The heart weighs 330 grams and does not appear significantly enlarged. There is a gaping, through and through defect of the right atrium. Otherwise, the heart has the usual shape with a slight dark pinkish -green discoloration. The coronary arteries have normal origins and distribution with right dominance. They have no significant atherosclerotic changes, and all are widely patent throughout their lengths. The ventricular intact endocardium is slightly dull but otherwise unremarkable. The left ventricle appears mildly dilated. The tricuspid and aortic valves have a gaping gunshot defect. Otherwise, the cardiac valves are ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 12 2021-10-07 WTT of normal numbers, intact, and free of vegetations. The tricuspid valve also has a gaping defect, but measures 12.0 cm in circumference, while the pulmonic valve measures 8.5 cm in circumference. The mitral valve measures 13.0 cm, while the aortic valve (where there is also a gaping defect) measures 7.2 cm in circumference. The right ventricular wall measures 0.3 cm, the left ventricular wall measures 1.2 cm, and the septum measures 1.4 cm in average thickness. The brown myocardium of the ventricles is slightly softened and collapsed secondary to minimal decomposition changes. There is no gross evidence of fibrosis or hemorrhage within those regions. There is minimal hemorrhage within the bilateral atria (where there is a gaping gunshot defect). The aorta follows its usual course and has four gunshot defects. One is described above and involves the aortic valve. There is also a gunshot defect the thoracic aorta located 5.5 cm distal to the junction of the left subclavian artery. There are also two additional gunshot defects of the abdominal aorta (below the level of the renal artery and involving the proximal junctions of the b ilateral iliac arteries). There is a decreased amount of bloody fluid within the vascular spaces. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: The right and left lungs weigh 300 grams, each. They have normal lobation, and both bilateral upper lobes and lower lobes have gunshot defects. The left lingula also has a gunshot defect. There is bilateral hilar vascular disruption (left pulmonary vein and right pulmonary artery). Both lungs appear collapsed, but do have crepitus palpated throughout all lobes. There is mild to moderate anthracotic changes. The cut surfaces reveal hemorrhagic pulpification within the area of the gunshot defects, but also pinpoint red discoloration of the lower lobe of the left lung. The bronchi contain a thin film of red, bloody mucus, and the mucosal surfaces are dark red and green and dull. HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM: The liver weighs 1300 grams and does not appear significantly enlarged. There is a gaping, through and through, stellate shaped gunshot defect of the left lobe of the liver. It measures 12.0 x 8.0 cm. The remaining intact capsule is smooth and glistening. The brown cut surfaces of the right lobe reveal mild fatty, oily changes, but are free of mass, hemorrhage, or palpable fibrosis. Cut sections of the left lobe of the liver reveal marked parenchymal pulpification with a green decomposition discoloration. There was fecal matter overlying this portion of the liver (where it was found adjacent to a gaping gunshot defect of the transverse colon). ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 13 2021-10-07 WTT The gallbladder contains 5 mL of green bile and no calculi. The green mucosal surfaces are intact and unremarkable. The pancreas appears to be of average size and shape. The cut surfaces reveal tan-pink, lobulated parenchyma without evidence of mass or hemorrhage. HEMOLYMPHATIC SYSTEM: The spleen weighs 160 grams and does not appear significantly enlarged. The intact capsule is smooth and glistening. The maroon cut surfaces are firm and uniform. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: The thyroid gland is not enlarged, and the lobes are symmetrical. The red-brown cut surfaces reveal firm and uniform parenchyma. The adrenal glands are of average size and shape, and the cut surfaces reveal thin, uniform, yellow cortices without mass or hemorrhage. The pituitary gland is not enlarged. GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM: There is a through and through gunshot defect of the proximal to mid-esophagus. There is surrounding external soft tissue hemorrhage within that region. The gastroesophageal junction is unremarkable. The stomach contains 90 mL of dark brown liquid. Medications and pill fragments are not identified. There are a few small food particles. The pylorus is patent and does not appear to be significantly hypertrophied or thickened. The esophageal mucosa is tan-pink and glistening. There is a gunshot defect of the proximal jejunum small intestine. There is a gunshot defect of the ascending colon and its adjacent mesentery. There is a gaping gunshot defect of the transverse colon with a large amount of surrounding abdominal cavity fecal matter. There is also a gunshot defect of the sigmoid/descending colon, and a gaping gunshot defect of the mesentery. GENITOURINARY SYSTEM: The right and left kidneys weigh 140 and 150 grams, respectively. There is a gaping gunshot defect of the hilar region of the left kidney with traumatic disruption of the artery and vein. There is marked s urrounding left perirenal fat hemorrhage. Otherwise, the kidneys have normal shapes and locations. The cortical surfaces are smooth and glistening. The cut surfaces reveal pale parenchymal with unremarkable corticomedullary junctions. The ureters and pelves are unremarkable (with the exception of soft tissue hemorrhage on the left ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 14 2021-10-07 WTT side). The bladder is distended and contains 250 mL of yellow urine. The bladder mucosa has a pinkish-green discoloration but is otherwise unremarkable. The bladder wall does not appear to be significantly hypertrophied or thickened. The prostate gland appears symmetrical and not enlarged. Its cut surfaces reveal uniform, tan-pink, firm parenchyma without evidence of mass or hemorrhage. NECK: The tongue, strap muscles, and pharyngeal constrictors are grossly unremarkable and free of hemorrhage. The hyoid bone and other bony structures of the neck are free of palpable fractures. The airway contains a thin film of red, bloody mucus. The mucosal surfaces are dark red and green and dull. MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM: The musculoskeletal system is well developed. The ribs are not palpably brittle. The skeletal muscle has multifocal areas of dark red hemorrhage (especially over the anterior and posterior torso). There is a gunshot defect with fracture of the T9 thoracic bony spinal column. There is a gaping gunshot defect of the lateral right iliac wing. There is a gunshot defect of the anterior left 6th intercostal space. There are fractures of the anterior right 2-7 ribs. There is a gunshot defect with a fracture of the lateral right 2nd rib. There is also a gunshot defect with a fracture of the right clavicle. There are gunshot defects with fractures of the posterior left 5th rib (adjacent to the thoracic bony spinal column), and of the posterior left 9th and 10th ribs (also adjacent to the thoracic bony spinal column). There is a fracture of the tip of the posterior left 11 th and 12th ribs (with gunshot defects). HEAD: Reflection of the scalp does not reveal subgaleal hemorrhages. The calvarium is intact and normally configured. Calvarial and basilar skull fractures are not identified. Epidural and subdural hemorrhages are not identified. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: The unfixed brain weighs 1370 grams. The leptomeninges are thin and transparent, smooth and glistening. Acute subarachnoid hemorrhages, cortical contusions, or exudates are not identified. The hemispheres appear symmetrical with a normal gyral pattern. Evidence of herniation is not identified. The arteries at the base of the brain are intact and free of significant atherosclerotic changes or aneurysms. ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 15 2021-10-07 WTT Cut sections of the cerebral hemispheres reveal an intact, uniform cortical ribbon. The basal ganglia, hippocampi, thalami, and other internal structures are symmetrical without focal changes. The white matter is uniform and unremarkable. The ventricles are not dilated, and their linings are smooth and glistening. Cut sections of the midbrain, brainstem, and cerebellum reveal intact structures without focal lesions. ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER AUTOPSY REPORT 21-05698-LM Page 16 2021-10-07 WTT SPECIMENS RETAINED TOXICOLOGY: Samples of vitreous humor, cardiac with right chest blood, iliac blood, urine, gastric contents, liver, and brain are retained for toxicology purposes. HISTOLOGY: Representative tissues are retained in the stock jar. X-RAYS: Full body x-rays reveal the bulk of thirteen bullets within the torso and the left lower extremity. There are also numerous, tiny, surrounding and scattered radiopaque fragments within these regions. PHOTOGRAPHS: Digital photographs are taken by a forensic photographer. Evidence is collected by a forensic criminalist. PATHOLOGIC DIAGNOSES I. Multiple gunshot wounds (seventeen total) involving the right upper extremity, the bilateral anterior torso, the right hip and buttock, the left thigh and leg, and the right foot: A. Seventeen gunshot entrance wounds. i. Traumatic disruption of the bilateral lungs, the heart, the bilateral diaphragm, the aorta (in multiple areas), the liver, the colon, the small intestine, and the hilar region of the left kidney. ii. Fractures of the right humerus. iii. Fractures of the distal left femur and the proximal left fibular bones. iv. Rib fractures associated with gunshot defects. v. Bilateral hemothoraces. vi. Hemopericardium. vii. Hemoperitoneum with fecal matter. B. Four gunshot exit wounds identified. C. Thirteen bullets/projectiles recovered. 21-05698-LM 21-05698-LM 21-05698-LM 21-05698-LM 21-05698-LM ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER 1071 W. SANTA ANA BLVD. SANTA ANA, CA 92703 CORONER’S INVESTIGATION REPORT 21-05698-LM PAGE: 1 On 9/25/21 at 1633 hours, Deputy Tasse received a call from Registered Nurse with the UC Irvine Medical Center reporting the death of an unidentified male who presented with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. The details of the incident are unknown at this time; however, the Huntington Beach Police Department were involved. At this time, there is no tentative identification. The decedent appears to be Hispanic with multiple tattoos. He presented to the hospital in cardiac arrest with multiple resuscitation efforts attempted in the field as well as bleeding control. Nurse provided Deputy Tasse with contact information for a Huntington Beach Police Department officer who is standing by who Deputy Tasse agreed to contact. Deputy Tasse subsequently spoke with Detective Kearby with the Huntington Beach Police Department who indicated that an officer-involved shooting had occurred. The circumstances of the case are unknown at this time; however, the decedent appeared to have been on the beach in Huntington Beach, possibly pointing a gun at officers when he was shot. Detective Kearby indicated that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department was handling the investigation and would have further details. At 1637 hours, Deputy Chelsea Brown received a call from Investigator Hunt with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reporting an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the city of Huntington Beach. At this time, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has minimal information. The decedent was transported to UC Irvine Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will call back as the case develops and they are ready for a Coroner response. At 1645 hours, Deputy Tasse received a call from Investigator Hunt with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who indicated that he is the handling investigator on this case. The Orange County Crime Lab has already been notified and their response to the scene is being coordinated. At 2245 hours, Supervising Deputy Coroner Clarke received a call from Detective Kennedy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department stating he is ready for a Coroner response and has arranged to meet at UC Irvine Medical Center at 2330 hours. At 2247 hours, I was assigned this case by Supervising Deputy Clarke. At 2318 hours, I arrived at UC Irvine Medical Center at the ED Annex, bed #20. I met with Detective Kennedy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Detective Kearby and Detective Lewis with the Huntington Beach Police Department, and Forensic Scientist and Forensic Specialist with the Orange County Crime Lab. Detective Kennedy informed me that Detective J. Cislo #3318 is the handling investigator despite his absence from UC Irvine Medical Center. Detective Kennedy conducted a briefing and provided the following information which is subject to change pending the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s investigation: the incident occurred at Huntington City Beach north of 285 Pacific Coast Highway, the Huntington Beach Police Department ’s sub-station. The U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach was taking place. Per Detective Kennedy, security at the U.S. Open in Huntington Beach received a call for service for a male located south of the pier who may have been stealing from the booths. He was then tracked to the Huntington Beach Police Department sub-station where contact was made between the decedent and the Huntington Beach Police Department officers. The decedent brandished a gun concealed underneath two t-shirts, pointing it at Huntington Beach Police Department officers and an officer- involved shooting occurred. At 2358 hours, I began my preliminary body examination and photographed the decedent in coordination with Forensic Scientist and Forensic Specialist The decedent is located in the ED Annex, bed #20 of the UC Irvine Medical Center. He is lying supine in a hospital bed with the following medical apparatuses present: endotracheal tube; electrocardiogram pads to the right shoulder, hip, and abdomen; a hospital bracelet on the right wrist; a tourniquet on his upper left thigh; and an intraosseous infusion to the right and left lower legs. I did not positively identify the decedent at this time, as I did not have a tentative identification. There is no palpable or observed trauma to the decedent’s head. His eyes are firm, clear , and free of any petechial hemorrhaging. I observed multiple gunshot wounds to the decedent’s body. I observed two apparent lacerations, one to the upper right shoulder area and one to the inner right arm. Rigor mortis is present to the neck, shoulders, ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER 1071 W. SANTA ANA BLVD. SANTA ANA, CA 92703 CORONER’S INVESTIGATION REPORT 21-05698-LM PAGE: 2 elbows, hands, and legs, and breaks with firm manipulation. Livor mortis is present posteriorly and blanches with firm fingertip pressure. Forensic Scientist collected the decedent’s clothing as evidence. I did not collect any property. The decedent was placed in a body bag with seal at 0154 hours. Detective Kennedy gave the Orange County Coroner’s Officer authorization to break the seal upon the decedent’s arrival to the Orange County Coroner’s Office to conduct Livescan imaging for purposes of identifying the decedent. Detective Kennedy determined that there was no need for the Orange County Coroner’s Office to conduct a COVID -19 swab. The decedent was transported by representatives of Traditional Funeral Services to the Orange County Corone r’s Office for an autopsy examination. At 0113 hours, I went to the UC Irvine Medical Center’s blood bank to request any antemortem blood samples that may have been obtained upon the decedent’s admission. The UC Irvine Medical Center did not take any antemortem blood samples; therefore, I did not collect any antemortem samples. Upon arrival to the Orange County Coroner’s Office, the decedent was positively identified by Livescan imaging. Supervising Deputy Coroner Chavez called the decedent’s wife, and confirmed his death.