I’ve just received new information from the detectives working on the Lawson case that I’d like you to review. I’ll go into more detail below, but at a high level I’d like you to:

• Review the autopsy findings
• Review the ballistics findings
• Update your Progress Report

The attached autopsy and ballistics reports are a standard part of every death investigation that involves a gun. They should shed some light on whether Linda Lawson’s death was a suicide or homicide; I’d like you to evaluate each report along with the accompanying autopsy photos and consider how the findings may affect your current theories about the case. Your job is not only to interpret what the reports say, but also to keep an eye out for any findings or claims that might not be accurate.

Review the Autopsy Findings
Autopsy findings document a coroner’s expert opinion about the circumstances surrounding the decedent’s death after a detailed examination of the body has been conducted. Review the Autopsy Report- - paying particular attention to the sections I have highlighted in yellow- - and think about the implications for the Lawson case. Do the findings support the theory of homicide or suicide? Or are they inconclusive? You should refer to the autopsy photos I attached as you go through the report. Compare them to the findings in the Autopsy Report. Do they support (or contradict) the findings?

Review the Ballistics Findings
The Ballistics Report contains test results done on both the decedent’s clothing and the gun used in the shooting. In order to draw meaningful and logical conclusions about what happened to any gunshot victim, you’ll need to dig into the science behind the ballistics tests. As you review the ballistics findings, make sure you research the science involved and consider how strongly the scientific evidence supports (or contradicts) your current theory(ies) about what happened in the Lawson case. What does the report lead you to conclude - - and why- - about whether Linda Lawson shot herself or was shot by her husband?

Update the Progress Report
In the course of analyzing the autopsy and ballistics information, you may come across new evidence that makes you want to revise your theory(ies) about Linda Lawson’s death - - or maybe you’ll be inspired with an altogether new theory(ies). Update your Progress Report with the facts you gather from the reports and photos and summarize your current position about the case. As you have done before, identify any requests for additional information you need and your corresponding rationale for how it will help the case.

I look forward to getting your email summary of new developments in the investigation and to reviewing your updated Progress Report.

 

Thanks,

K.C. Hammond, P.I.
Hammond Investigations