ARKANSAS STATE CRIME LABORATORYMEDICAL EXAMINER DIVISION
Case No.: ME-331-93 Date of Examination: May 7, 1993
Name: BYERS, Christopher Mark
Age: 8 years Race: White Sex: Male
Place of Death: West Memphis, Arkansas County: Crittenden
CONCLUSIONS
CAUSE OF DEATH: Multiple Injuries.
MANNER OF DEATH: Homicide.
LABORATORY RESULTS
TOXICOLOGY:
Ethyl Alcohol: Blood—Negative
Drug Screens: Blood—Acid & Neutral Drugs—5.737 ug/ml Carbamazepine
Basic Drugs—None Detected
SEROLOGY:
Blood Type: O+
Oral smear/swabs: No semen found
Rectal smears/swabs: No semen or blood found.
Frank J. Peretti, M.D. * William Q. Sturner
Assoc. Medical Examiner Chief Medical Examiner
*Pathologist of Record
05-28-93/tjg
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NAME: BYERS, Christopher M. DATE: 5-7-93 NO: MEA-331-93
EXTERNAL DESCRIPTION: The body was that of a well developed, well nourished nude white male. The hands were bound to the feet in "hog-tied" fashion. The fingernails were short and intact, with dirty beds. The body was covered with dried mud, leave and debris. There were multiple injuries situated on the body which are described further below in detail. The body weighed 52 pounds, was 48 inches in height and appeared compatible with the reported age of 8 years. The body was cold. Rigor was present and fixed to an equal degree in al extremities. The body was pale with minimal posterior fixed lividity. The scalp was brown, wavy, and blood-soiled. A 3/4 inch old scar was present on the right forehead and a 1/4 inch old scar was present adjacent to the bridge of the nose. An old hypopigmented scar was present on the front of the chest. The irides were brown. The corneae were cloudy. The sclerae and conjunctivae were slightly congested, with no petechial hemorrhages. The teeth were natural and in good condition. The neck, chest and abdomen were unremarkable, except for the injuries to be described. There were injuries noted to the anal/genital area which are described below in detail. The upper and lower extremities show no abnormalities, except for the injuries and bindings to be described further below. The lower extremities show the presence of a few old healed scars. Abundant amount of feces was present about the anus.
DESCRITION OF INJURIES:
The body was received nude and was covered with dry mud, leaves and debris. There was washer woman wrinkling of the hands and feet. The hands were bound to the ankles behind the back in a "hog-tied" fashion. Strands of hair-like material were found on the left posterior thigh and under the bindings of the left ankle. The right wrist was bound to the right ankle with a black shoe lace and the left wrist was bound to the left ankle with a white shoe lace.
Head Injuries:
The right ear was abraded and contused. The inferior aspect of the right ear showed multiple linear abrasions measuring 1/2 inch to 1 1/4 inch. On the bridge of the nose were multiple abrasions. Situated between the nose and the upper lip was a semi-lunar abrasion measuring about 1/8 inch. A 1/4 inch abrasion was present at the lateral aspect of the lower lips. A 1/8 abrasion was present on the midline of the lips. The mucosal surfaces of the lower lip showed a 5/16 inch laceration. The frenulum was contused and was surrounded by a 1/2 inch contusion. Multiple superficial bite marks were present on the mucosal surfaces of the right and left cheeks.
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NAME: BYERS, Christopher M. DATE: 5-7-93 NO: MEA-331-93
A 3/16 inch laceration was present above the left upper lip.
Situated on the superior aspect of the bridge of the nose was a 3/16 inch abrasion.
Situated above the left eyebrow were two abrasions measuring respectively 1 inch and 3/4 inch. Situated on the right eyelid was a 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch contusion. Adjacent to the medial aspect of the left eye was a 1/8 inch abrasion.
A 1/8 inch abrasion was present adjacent to the lateral aspect of the left eyebrow.
Situated on the left zygomatic region were two circular abrasions, each measuring 3/16 inch. Below these was a 1/4 by 1/8 abrasion.
The left ear was contused and situated behind it were five linear abrasions measuring respectively 1/2 inch, 7/16 inch, 1/2 inch, 7/16 inch, and 3/4 inch. A 1/8 inch abrasion was present on the helix of the left ear. In front of the left ear were five haphazardly oriented abrasions, measuring 5/16 inch to 1 3/4 inch.
Situated on the left parietal scalp was a 1 1/4 inch laceration.
Reflection of the scalp showed hemorrhage in the soft tissues underlying the laceration. There were multifocal, subgaleal contusions with associated edema.
There were no fractures noted to the calvarium, however, the base of the skull shows multiple fractures. In the left posterior cranial fossa was a fracture measuring 3 1/2 inches in length. Extending from this fracture were multiple radiating fractures which involved the entire posterior left cranial fossae. Situated on the left posterior medial cranial fossa was a 1/4 inch ovoid punched out fracture. A 1 inch fracture also involved the left middle cranial fossa.
The brain showed multifocal subarachnoid hemorrhage involving the left posterior cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. Associated fracture contusions were present.
Neck Injuries:
Situated on the left side of the neck were a few scattered abrasions.
Subsequent autopsy of the neck showed no hemorrhage in the strap muscles of the neck. The hyoid bone and larynx were intact. No petechial hemorrhages were noted. No fractures were noted.
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NAME: BYERS, Christopher M. DATE: 5-7-93 NO: MEA-331-93
Genital and Anal Injuries:
The anal orifice was markedly dilated. Examination of the rectal and anal mucosa showed them to be diffusely hyperemic and injected. There were no injuries present.
The skin of the penis, scrotal sac and testes were missing. There was a large gaping defect measuring 2 3/4 inch by 1 1/2 inch. The shaft of the penis was present and measured 2 inches in length. The gaping defect was surrounded by multiple and extensive irregular punctate gouging type injuries measuring from 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch and had a depth of penetration of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Some of these wounds showed hemorrhage in the underlying soft tissue, others did not. In between the thighs there were multiple areas of yellow abrasions with skin slippage. The medial aspect of the left thigh showed a yellow abrasion.
Situated on the posterior surface of the left buttocks was a 1/2 by 1/4 inch contusion and a 1 3/4 inch linear abrasion.
Situated on the posterior surface of the right buttocks were two faint contusions, each measuring about 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch.
The left buttocks showed five superficial cutting wounds measuring from 1/2 inch to 2 1/8 inch.
Situated on the right buttock region were multiple linear superficial interrupted cuts measuring from 3/16 to 1/2 inch and were interspaced by a distance of 1/8 inch. Scattered linear abrasions were present about the anal orifice.
Injuries of Right Leg:
Situated on the right anterior thigh was a 1 by 1 3/8 inch reddish contusion. Below this contusion was a patterned contusion consisting of two ovoid red-purple contusions, the superior one measuring 3/4 by 7/16 inch, and the inferior one measuring 3/4 by 1 1/8 inch. Extending from both of these contusions, the superior one measuring 5 3/16 inches and the inferior contusion measuring 4 1/2 inches. The interspace between these two linear contusions was about 3/4 inch.
A 1/4 inch abrasion was present on the anterior surface of the right leg.
The ankles showed evidence of yellow-red binding abrasions. On the left ankle below the binding abrasion was a 3/4 inch by 1/2 abrasion.
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NAME: BYERS, Christopher M. DATE: 5-7-93 NO: MEA-331-93
Situated over the posterior right thigh and leg were multiple scattered abrasions and contusions. A 2 1/2 by 2 3/4 inch contusion was present above the ligature binding site of the right ankle.
Injuries of the Left Leg:
A 1/4 inch abrasion was present on the right knee. Situated below the right knee were three red contusions measuring 3/4 inch, 1/4 inch, and 1/2 inch each. A 3/4 by 1 inch abrasion was present on the left ankle. The posterior surface of the left lower leg and ankle show confluent contusions.
Back Injuries:
Multiple scattered abrasions were situated over the upper back region.
Injuries of Right Arm:
Scattered abrasions were present over the right arm and forearm. A yellow binding abrasion which was not surrounded by contusion was present on the right wrist.
Injuries of Left Arm:
Multiple scattered abrasions are present on the anteroposterior surfaces of the left arm. A binding abrasion was present on the left wrist and at the superior margin of this abrasion was a faint red-purple contusion.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION
BODY CAVITIES: The body was opened by the usual thoraco-abdominal incision and the chest plate was removed. No adhesions or abnormal collections of fluid were present in any of the body cavities. No petechial hemorrhages were present. All body organs showed diffuse pallor. The subcutaneous fat layer of the abdominal wall was 1/2 inches thick. There was no internal evidence of blunt force penetrating injury to the thoraco-abdominal region.
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NAME: BYERS, Christopher M. DATE: 5-7-93 NO: MEA-331-93
WEIGHT OF ORGANS: (in grams)
Brain—1420
Right lung—230
Left Lung—220
Heart—120
Liver—840
Right kidney—62
Left kidney—60
Spleen—100
Thymus—30
HEAD: (CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM) Injuries of the head were previously described. Sections through the cerebral hemispheres, brain stem and cerebellum revealed no nontraumatic lesions.
NECK: Examination of the soft tissues of the neck, including strap muscles, thyroid gland and large vessels, revealed no abnormalities. The hyoid bone and larynx were intact and showed no evidence of fracture or hemorrhage.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: The pericardial surfaces were smooth, glistening and unremarkable; the pericardial sac was free of significant fluid or adhesions. The coronary arteries arose normally, followed the usual distribution and were widely patent, without evidence of significant atherosclerosis or thrombosis. The chambers and valves exhibited the usual size-position relationship and were unremarkable. The myocardium was dark red-brown, firm and unremarkable; the atrial and ventricular septa were intact. The aorta and its major branches arose normally, followed the usual course and were widely patent, free of significant atherosclerosis and other abnormality. The vena cava and its major tributaries returned to the heart in the usual distribution and were free of thrombi.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: The upper and lower airways contained a slight amount of vomitus. The mucosal surfaces were hyperemic. The pleural surfaces were smooth, glistening and unremarkable bilaterally. The pulmonary parenchyma was salmon-pink, exuding slight amounts of blood and frothy fluid. No focal lesions were noted. The pulmonary arteries were normally developed, patent and without thrombus or embolus.
LIVER AND BILARY SYSTEM: The hepatic capsule was smooth, glistening and intact, covering a pale brown parenchyma with no focal lesions noted. The gallbladder contained 3 ml. of green, mucoid bile. The mucosa was velvety and unremarkable. The extrahepatic biliary tree was patent, without evidence of calculi.
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NAME: BYERS, Christopher M. DATE: 5-7-93 NO: MEA-331-93
ALIMENTARY TRACT: The tongue was without evident recent injury. The esophagus was lined by gray-white, smooth mucosa. The gastric mucosa was arranged in the usual rugal folds and the lumen contained 1 ounce of red-tan fluid with a piece of chewing gum. The small and large bowel were unremarkable. The anal and rectal mucosae were hyperemic and injected. The pancreas had a normal pink-tan lobulated appearance and the ducts were patent. The appendix was present.
GENITOURINARY SYSTEM: The renal capsules were smooth and thin, semi-transparent and stripped with ease from the underlying smooth, red-brown cortical surface. The cortex was pale. The calyces, pelves and ureters were unremarkable. The urinary bladder was contracted and contained no urine. The mucosa was gray-tan and smooth. The prostate and seminal vesicles were unremarkable. The testes were missing.
RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM: The spleen had a smooth, intact capsule covering red-purple, moderately firm parenchyma; the lymphoid follicles were unremarkable. The regional lymph nodes appeared normal.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: The pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands were unremarkable.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM: Muscle development was normal. No atraumatic bone or joint abnormalities were noted.
TOXICOLOGY:
Ethyl Alcohol: Blood—Negative
Drug Screens: Blood—Acid & Neutral Drugs—5.737 ug/ml Carbamazepine
Basic Drugs—None detected
SEROLOGY:
Blood Type: O+
Oral smears/swabs: No semen found.
Rectal smears/swabs: No semen or blood found.
MICROSCOPIC:Skin—left ankle—intact epithelium. No hemorrhage.
Skin—left wrist—intact epithelium. No hemorrhage.
Skin—right ankle—intact epithelium. No hemorrhage.
Skin—left wrist—intact epithelium. No hemorrhage.
Larynx—no hemorrhage.
Anal orifice—no hemorrhage.
Penis—Bacterial colonies. A few ghost remnants of red blood cells are identified in vessel and soft tissues.
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NAME: BYERS, Christopher M. DATE: 5-7-93 NO: MEA-331-93
PATHOLOGIC DIAGNOSES:
I. Multiple Injuries:
a. Multiple facial contusions, abrasions, and lacerations.
b. Contusions and abrasions of ears.
c. Left parietal scalp laceration.
d. Fractures of base of skull.
e. Subarachnoid hemorrhage of cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres with fracture contusions.
g. Abrasions of front of neck with no evidence of neck muscle injuries.
II. Genital mutilation with absence of scrotal sac, testes, skin and head of penis, with multiple surrounding gouging and cutting wounds.
III. Dilated anus.
IV. Bindings of wrists to ankles behind back in "hog-tied" fashion.
V. Multiple contusions, abrasions, and lacerations of torso and extremities.
VI. Terminal aspiration.
VII. No evidence of disease.
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NAME: BYERS, Christopher M. DATE: 5-7-93 NO: MEA-331-93
OPINION:
This 8 year old, white male, Christopher Byers, dies of multiple injuries.
Investigation of the three circumstances of death revealed that the decadent was on of three children (see related cases MEA-329-93 and MEA-330-93) that were found in a ditch which contained approximately 2 to 2 1/2 feet of water, approximately 150 yards southwest of Blue Beacon Truck Wash on the south service road at Interstate 40 and 55, West Memphis, Arkansas. The decadent was reported missing at approximately 6:00 PM on May 5, 1993 and his nude body was found the afternoon of May 6, 1993. When found the body was nude and the wrists were bound to the ankles bilaterally.
Autopsy demonstrated bindings of the hands and feet behind the back in a "hog-tied" fashion with shoe laces. There were multiple abrasions, contusions and lacerations of the facies which resulted in hemorrhage and fracturing of the skull. The skin of the penis, scrotal sac and testes, were missing. Surrounding the perineum were multiple cutting wounds. The anus was dilated with a hyperemic mucosa. There were no injuries present. Spermatoza were not detected in the oral and anal smears. In addition, there were multiple and extensive contusions, abrasions, and lacerations involving the torso and extremities. No alcohol was detected. Carbamazepine was detected in sub-therapeutic levels.
MANNER OF DEATH: Homicide
Frank J. Peretti, M.D.* William Q. Sturner
Assoc. Medical Examiner Chief Medical Examiner
*Pathologist of Record
