Autopsy Report – Capeside Creek Victim Name: Josephine “Joey” Potter Sex: Female Age: 16 years Date of Autopsy: [Redacted] Examiner: Dr. [Redacted], Office of the Medical Examiner
External Examination
Condition of body: Female, approximately 170 cm, 56 kg. Body recovered unclothed, bindings intact at time of intake. Notable pale skin with marbling due to immersion.
Restraints:
Wrists and ankles bound posteriorly in hogtie configuration with coarse hemp rope.
Rope swollen and waterlogged; ligature impressions encircling wrists and ankles, consistent with prolonged tight binding.
Mild abrasion and contusion at contact points, suggesting restraints applied during life.
Gag:
Rubber ball gag with leather strap in place on arrival. Strap left indentations along corners of mouth and occiput.
No evidence of removal attempts noted, consistent with effective restraint.
Other findings:
No significant blunt force trauma.
No defensive wounds observed, likely due to restraint before immersion.
Fingertips pruned; hair tangled with aquatic vegetation.
Internal Examination
Respiratory System:
Frothy fluid expelled upon opening airways.
Lungs heavy and waterlogged (Right: 690 g, Left: 650 g).
Pleural cavities contained watery fluid.
Microscopy confirmed diatoms consistent with creek water in lung tissue and major organs, confirming antemortem drowning.
Cardiovascular System:
Heart normal in size and morphology; no congenital abnormalities.
Gastrointestinal Tract:
Stomach contained ~200 ml of muddy creek water with vegetative material, consistent with active inhalation/ingestion during drowning episode.
Musculoskeletal System:
No fractures or dislocations. Ligature abrasions consistent with bindings.
Toxicology:
Pending. No immediate odor of alcohol or drugs detected on intake.
Conclusion
Cause of Death: Drowning Manner of Death: Homicide Contributory Factors: Physical restraint by rope and gag rendered victim unable to escape water environment. Estimated Time of Death: 20:00–23:00 hrs, prior evening.