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Home My WebLink About20022987.tiff CORRESPONDENCE RESPONSE DEPARTMENT OF %t a. > � </fit7T'(12:24:7X>,- - * * * PLEASE RESPOND WITHIN THREE DAYS.* * * IF RESPONSE WILL BE DELAYED, PLEASE NOTIFY "CTB GROUP" BY E-MAIL OF EXPECTED DATE FOR RESPONSE. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Narrative: f p r L(. -e fA/ Gi, ( r - L2 _ ✓/ r MG RM BJ DL GV BOARD ACTION: (Initial by Approval) Agree with Recommendation Worksession METHOD OF RESPONSE: - Board Action - Work Session Letter (Attached) Telephone Call - No Response (explain) It/// da: Department Heed Signature /� M:\CAROL\OPMAN\RDCOMP2 1 r45eJ/7' e-i//ct October 21, 2002 Mrs. Kathy Anderson 35600 Valley View Terrace Windsor, CO 80550 Dear Mrs. Anderson: I just wanted to let you know that I have received your letter and have contacted the pathologist, Dr. Joe Chaffin concerning your questions about the autopsy. Dr. Chaffin informed me that he did receive your letter and will be corresponding with you in regards to your specific questions. He didn't have a time frame but promised he would do so. We did discuss the case two weeks ago. I cannot answer your specific questions concerning Mitch's hands, at least from an observation point of view since I wasn't present at the autopsy. It would be unethical and unprofessional to interpret someone else's report, so I must refer you to Dr. Chaffin. If you have any other questions concerning your son,please contact me. Respectfully, Scott A. Anthony n October 3, 2002 CCT -7 t`9 9: f RE: Autopsy for Mitch Anderson, 4/12/01, Accession #N Qii---r L+.- Dr. Joe Hamner, Director Department of Pathology North Colorado Medical Center 1801 16°i St. Greeley, CO 80631 Dear Dr. Hamner: Enclosed are copies of a letter I sent to Corinna Pina-Belmarez, Weld County Coroner's Office July 5°i and a letter I sent to Dr. Chaffin with a carbon copy to Coroner Scott Anthony on August 31. To date, I have received no response from Dr. Chaffin or Scott Anthony. I'm sending you this letter and copies of all correspondence and urge you to address my questions and respond. I have enclosed a self-addressed envelop for your convenience. Sincere] Kathy Anderson 35600 Valley View Terrace Windsor, CO 80550 Cc: Scott Anthony, Weld County Coroner Weld County Commissioners Office o te. "V 's7 ` 77; /(?Gsete, y(5 2019 August 31, 2002 KC5121\ RE: Autopsy for Mitch Anderson, 4/12/01, Accession #NA01-40 D. Joe Chaffin MD, PC North Colorado Medical Center Greeley Pathologist LLP 1801 16th St. Greeley, CO 80631 Dear Dr. Chaffin: Enclosed is a copy of a letter I sent to tbs-Corinna Pina-Belmarez, Weld County Coroner's Office July 5th. Ms. Pina-Belmarez phoned me on July 13 and stated she was unable to answer my questions and suggested the letter be forwarded to you. I asked her to do so, and she assured me she would. To date, I have received no response from you. I'm sending you another copy and urge you to address my questions and respond. I have enclosed a self-addressed envelop for your convenience. Sincerely, Kathy Anderson 35600 Valley View Terrace Windsor, CO 80550 Cc: Scott Anthony, Weld County Coroner 35600 Valley View Terrace Windsor, Co 80550 July 5, 2002 Corinna Pina-Belmarez Medicolegal Death Investigator II Office of the Coroner 1555N. 17th Avenue Greely, Colorado 80632 RE: AUTOPSY OF MITCH ANDERSON ON 4/12/01, ACCESSION# NA01-40 Dear Investigator Pina-Belmarez, On May 10, 2001 Deputy Coroner Barbara Cowell-Redling forwarded the autopsy and toxicology reports for my son Mitch Anderson. In her letter Dr. Cowell- Redling suggested I contact you with any questions related to his autopsy. I realize over a year has passed since my son's examination, but I would greatly appreciate it if you would take some time from your busy schedule to clear up several questions related to my son's injuries. I have enclosed a copy of the autopsy report for your convenience. There are lacerations described around his mouth and nose. While the report notes these are associated injuries to the gunshot entry wound, could any of these injuries have been caused by exterior blunt force trauma? The autopsy photographs show a tearing of the facial skin, on at least several of the injuries, that appears to be caused by trauma unrelated to the trajectory of the bullet. There are no descriptions of scratches or abrasions to my son's hands in the report. However, in the autopsy photographs of his cleansed hands there are numerous marks on his fingers, hands and wrist area. Could these be abrasions he received before his death? Although the main injury was described as a near or loose contact gunshot entry wound, there was no description of the blackening of his eyes that is usually associated with this type of injury to the head. Is there a reason why this didn't occur? Again, I would greatly appreciate any answers you may be able to obtain from the autopsy report, photographs or the pathologist who performed the examination. Sincerely, COPY " t -7A/vZ ',-toml��d -�� coe.,nnc� '�131oL .si� s1 cv�d ccv.swect" Q_sG "LccklCivIS 6,.„..4 lciri,...Qd Kathy Anderson ev. " ci G� `� fi C►tt4f; n. nn -rffc Qcck g4,i �C �2- Cka4,n Scuff Ykr`-Nw.t,, — cP c oZ �4 - rYY.�.trt'of 10�4iOZ �G p¢. ,nw FQ it Co CO SS,G re it North Colorado Greeley Pathologists LLP Medical Center Department of Pathology D. Joe Chaffin MD, PC Cory D. Dunn MD,PC Richard E. Halbert MD, PC H.Wentzell Hamner MD, PC 1801 16th Street Greeley, CO 80631 Tel:(970)350-6720 Fax:(970)350-6477 AUTOPSY REPORT Patient Name: ANDERSON,MITCH Accession#: NA01-40 Med Rec#: AUTP-40 Gender: M Expiration Date: 4/11/01 16:20 DOB: 1/11/1975(Age:26) Race: Autopsy Date: 4/12/01 12:00 Physician(s): Soc. Sec.#: None Provided Reported: 424/01 09:12 Authorized By: WELD COUNTY CORONER(PINA-BELMAREZ) Autopsy Restrictions: No Restrictions Final Pathologic Diagnosis Immediate Cause of Death: 1. Gunshot wound to face and head Other Significant Contributing Conditions: 1. None Manner of Death: Per Weld County Coroner's Office (See Comment) FINAL FINDINGS: Gunshot wound to face and head,consistent with self-inflicted; see "Summary of Injury" for projectile track and associated injuries(see comment) 2. Moderate atherosclerotic coronary artery disease 3. Accessory spleen 4. Toxicology results pending; addendum including those results will follow Case Discussion The Weld County Coroner, by law, is responsible for the ultimate determination of the manner of death,based on autopsy and investigative data.In this case,the presence of the entry wound on the left side of the undersurface of the chin is unusual for the suicide of a reputed right handed individual. However, the injuries are not incompatible with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Scene investigation and other studies (including residue analysis)will be important in the final determination of the manner of death. Electronically Signed D. JOE CHAFFIN,MD Summary of Iniury A near-or loose-contact-type, 1.5 cm gunshot entry wound is present on the inferior left surface of the chin,with a 0.9 cm superiorly oriented laceration and surrounding soot and stippling extending for a maximum width of 1.0 cm. The majority of the discoloration extends in an inferior and medial direction. The wound contains soot and discoloration beneath the skin surface, as well. The wound is probed and the projectile track is probed, revealing the following path: From the near- or loose-contact-type entry wound in the left inferior surface of the chin, the projectile passes in a superior, left to right direction, passing through the floor of the mouth, posterior/mid tongue, posterior hard palate, -iaht maxillary sinus(with associated marked nasal fracture),just medial to the right eye (with blowout of the globe), ANDERSON,MITCH/ Page 1 of 4 ANDERSON, MITCH NCM Histology Report NA01-40 'right alveolar ridge, tip of right frontal lobe, right frontal bone(with an external beveling consistent with exit), and exits through a 2.0 x 1.5 cm stellate exit wound in the superior right forehead. Other associated injuries are seen, including numerous linear lacerations at the corners of the mouth ranging up to 2.7 cm in length,a linear 2.5 cm laceration extending inferiorly from the right mid portion of the lower lip,a 1.9 cm full thickness laceration of the hiltrum(with direct connection between the nasal cavity and the oral cavity), and a 1.8 cm laceration on the right superior side of the nose. On reflecting the scalp, extensive subgaleal hemorrhage is seen on the right side. The right frontal bone is extensively fractured. Re-approximateing the bony plates shows a 2.0 cm exit-type defect with beveled external edges just deep to the previously described exit wound on the right forehead.The cranium is opened, revealing prominent right epidural, subdural,and subarachnoid hemorrhage.The base of the skull shows extensive,comminuted fractures of theright orbital plate extending from the nearly obliterated right orbital ridge.The fractures cross the midline into the left side slightly, and exted posteriorly into the sella turcica.The basal fractures are associated with contusions of the tip of the right temporal lobe.The only other injury noted is the projectile track through the right frontal lobe, with an approximately 1 cm deep furrow with associated hemorrhage through the tip of the lobe. This injury is consistent with the projectile track described above. Multiple metallic fragments consistent with a fragmeted bullet are found along the furrow in the right frontal lobe, as well as in the surrounding soft tissues. These fragments are directly passed to Alan Price and Pete Wagoner from the Weld County Sheriffs Office. Medical Intervention None evident. External Examination IN ATTENDANCE: Matt Swan, Assistant; Alan Price, Weld County Sheriffs Office Investigator; Pete Wagoner, Weld County Sheriff's Office Field Evidence Technician. POSTMORTEM CHANGES: tigor is strongly present, but is breakable. Livor is anteriorly oriented.The body temperature is cold.The corneas are clear. The skin shows no slippage. There is no odor of decomposition. GENERAL AND IDENTIFICATION FEATURES: The body is that of an unembalmed caucasian male, appearing consistent with the listed age of 26 years, measuring approximately 68 inches in length and estimated to weigh 185 lbs.The skin shows multiple injuries as outlined above. A cartoon image of"Yosemite Sam" is tattooed on the deceased's right shoulder.There is no unusual skin color or distinctive chemical/toxicologic odor.The scalp is covered by brown hair. The right eye is ruptured. The green/brown left eye has a 0.4 cm pupil and a clear conjunctiva. The mouth contains the deceased's own teeth in moderately good repair and is contains prominet trauma as noted above. The neck, torso,breasts and extremities are free of palpable masses and edema. The external genitalia are normal male and without trauma. Internal Examination NOTE: Findings described in the "Summary of Injury"section will not be repeated in detail in this section. EVISCERATION: The torso is opened with a standard Y-shaped incision. The organs are eviscerated en masse, without tongue or rectum. A standard intermastoid scalp incision is employed to expose the cranium. The cranium is normally formed. SEROUS CAVITIES: The pleural, pericardial and peritoneal cavities show no adhesions and no abnormal fluid. NECK EXAMINATION: A layer by layer neck examination shows no evidence of hemorrhage or trauma. The thyroid cartilage and the hyoid 'lone are intact. There is no obstruction of the oropharynx and upper airway. ANDERSON, MITCH/ Page 2 of 4 ANDERSON, MITCH NCM Histology Report NA01-40 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: The 370 g right and 350 g left lungs are normally formed. The tracheobronchial tree is unobstructed. The vasculature contains no thrombi or emboli. The lung parenchyma is mildy congested. 2ARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: The 410 gm heart is of normal shape and position. The coronary arteries have a normal distribution with a right dominant system. The coronary arteries have mild to moderate atherosclerosis as follows: LAD—40%; RCA- minimal; circumflex- minimal. The atria and ventricles are normally formed. The valves are normal. There are no mural thrombi. Step sections of the ventricles are unremarkable, except for mild dilation of the right ventricle. The left ventricular free wall is 2.0 cm and the right ventricular free wall is 0.5 cm in thickness. The great vessels emanate from the correct chambers. The aorta has minimal atherosclerosis. GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM: The alimentary canal is normally formed, with no morphologic or rotational abnormalities. The appendix is present. The stomach contains scant tan fluid without pill or capsule fragments. The 1630 gm liver has no focal lesions on serial sectioning. The gallbladder and pancreas are of normal size, shape and location and the biliary tree is patent. The portal vein and hepatic veins show no thrombi. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: The adrenal glands and the thyroid gland are of normal size, shape and location. GENITOURINARY SYSTEM: The 125 g right and 125 g left kidneys are normally formed, with unremarkable cortical surfaces and no abnormalities on sectioning.The collecting system, including bladder, is normal without dilatation or obstruction. The prostate is not palpated. The testicles are descended and show no palpable abnormalities. HEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM: he 240 gm spleen has an intact capsule with no focal defects on the cut surface. A 1.0 cm hilar accessory spleen is identified. The lymph nodes of the thorax and abdomen are small and inconspicuous. The thymus is present in the anterior mediastinum. NERVOUS SYSTEM: The 1340 gm brain is normally formed. The cranial nerves are normally distributed. The cerebral vessels have no discernible atherosclerosis. There is no uncal or tonsillar herniation. Sections of forebrain, midbrain, pons, medulla and cerebellum are free of tumor. The pituitary appears normal but the sella turcica is fractured as outlined above.The spinal cord is not examined. MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM: Aside from those abnormalities described above, no musculoskeletal anomalies are seen. CASSETTE SUMMARY: I. Liver/spleen 2. Kidneys 3. Heart 4. Lungs 5. Brain/thymus Ancillary Studies One red and two grey top tubes of blood, along with approximately 60 cc of urine, are collected, labeled with the deceased's identifying information, sealed in tamper-proof packaging, and submitted(with appropriate chain of 'ustody) for toxicologic analysis. ANDERSON,MITCH/ Page 3 of 4 • ANDERSON, MITCH NCM Histology Report NA01-40 PA and lateral postmortem radiographs are also examined, revealing abnormalities consistent with the injuries described above.Numerous metallic fragments are identified along the projectile track. Microsconic Descrintion sections of the liver show moderate micro-and macrosteatosis, with minimal surrounding inflammation and damage to the hepatocytes. The central veins appear somewhat dilated, and scattered pigment deposition is seen. Sections of the lungs show acute congestion against background emphysematous changes. The brain sections show congestion and hemorrhage. Sections of the heart, kidneys, spleen, and thymus are unremarkable. ANDERSON,MITCH/ Page 4 of 4 HIVE THOROUGHLY REVIEWED YOUR RECENT LETTER. SINCERELY, _ _ ' RAY PIERCE rl4 LUi4:Nh0lutrgAl/411.$ atlid04. �wwW 54auil�:ulaatlu....w....ai u�a:.� • Complete items 1,2,and 3.Also complete A. Signature �� /�� item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. X S /-Er y- f vV / O Agent ■ Print your name and address on the reverse ❑Addressee so that we can return the card to you. B. Received by(Printed Name) / C. Date of Delivery ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece,or on the front if space permits. D. 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