Forensic Investigation of the Death of Anna Nicole Smith.ppt

Background Information Pertaining to the Forensic Investigationinto the Death ofAnna Nicole Smith
Joshua Perper, MD, LLB, MSc
Chief Medical Examiner
Broward County, Florida
March 2007
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Initial Information
Anna Nicole Smith found unresponsive at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Possible “stomach flu” for several days
Body transported to Memorial Regional Hospital
Pronounced dead and Medical Examiner’s Office notified at 2:49 PM February 8, 2007
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Medical Examiner Jurisdiction
Dictated by Florida Statute
The medical examiner of the  district in which the death occurred . . . shall determine the cause of death . . . when any person dies:
suddenly, when in apparent good health
in suspicious or unusual circumstances
unattended by a practicing physician
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Medical Examiner’s OfficeImmediate Response
Dispatched Dr. Gertrude Juste, Associate Medical Examiner, to the scenes (hotel and hospital)
Many prescription drugs recovered in hotel room;no illegal drugs
Dr. Juste panied body from hospital to morgue
Activated high-profile security precautions with Broward Sheriff’s Office
Developed autopsy checklist
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Patient Received at . Facility
Brought in at 4:59 PM under routine protocol in manner preserving dignity of the deceased
Assembled Forensic Team
Initial documentation started
Brief external examination
No evidence of blunt force, sharp force,gunshot wound, or asphyxiation
Samples taken for microbiology, toxicology, serology, DNA, trace evidence
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Forensic Team
AUTOPSY CREW
Dean ReynoldsChief Autopsy Room Technician
Irma MotenAutopsy Room Technician
Joe AndersonVisual Imaging Technician
James FleurimondVisual Imaging Technician
Dr. Joshua PerperChief Medical Examiner
Dr. Stephen CinaDeputy Chief Medical Examiner
Dr. Gertrude JusteAssociate Medical Examiner
Dr. Reinhard MotteAssociate Medical Examiner
Dr. Harold SchuelerChief ToxicologistEdwina JohnsonChief InvestigatorWendy CraneInvestigator
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Evening of February 8, 2