noticed that there were areas of intradermal and speckled bruising to the right periorbital and outer upper eyebrow region and forehead, some with linear components to the right forehead and around the right eye with areas of bruising and swelling to the eyebrow. There was also minor superficial abrasion to ‘peri-mortem’ the right knee and shin. No major injuries were identified. There was no hand, lip, mouth or other obvious facial injury noted at the scene. Rigor mortis was established and the body showed some central remaining warmth. Dr Charlwood’s report states that at the post-mortem examination which she later conducted at FSSA, she observed that there was a faint ligature mark identified to the anterior right side of the neck which was rising. There were asphyxial changes in the form of multiple petechiae to the skin of the face and eyelids with suffusion of the facial and head tissue. There was minor bruising to the right periorbital, eyebrow and temple regions, which likely relates to minor terminal blunt force trauma. Dr Charlwood expresses the view that this may be related to terminal hypoxic seizure activity and had likely occurred due to impact with surrounding objects in the cell. She also states that the overlying pillowcase and bag materials may have produced the linear impressions on his face. There was also minor abrasion to the front of the right knee and shin consistent with terminal injury. There were no broken bones within Mr Costi’s skeletal system. Dr Charlwood states: was no injury to overtly suggest a third party or other significant injury. The injuries are not considered to be a factor in the cause of death.' As far as toxicological analysis is concerned, alcohol, amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, morphine, benzodiazepines and common drugs were not detected in Mr Costi’s blood. Dr Charlwood further states that the features of the post mortem examination overall were in keeping with the nature of the hanging point. She adds: 'The presence of the pillow case and plastic bags also being present over the head of the deceased are difficult to interpret as to their involvement in the death, but these may have further contributed to hypoxia and the mechanism of death.' Taking all of the circumstances and findings into consideration Dr Charlwood opines that the cause of death was neck compression (due to hanging) and plastic bag
noticed that there were areas of intradermal and speckled bruising to the right periorbital and outer upper eyebrow region and forehead, some with linear components to the right forehead and around the right eye with areas of bruising and swelling to the eyebrow. There was also minor superficial ‘peri-mortem’ abrasion to the right knee and shin. No major injuries were identified. There was no hand, lip, mouth or other obvious facial injury noted at the scene. Rigor mortis was established and the body showed some central remaining warmth. Dr Charlwood’s report states that at the post-mortem examination which she later conducted at FSSA, she observed that there was a faint ligature mark identified to the anterior right side of the neck which was rising. There were asphyxial changes in the form of multiple petechiae to the skin of the face and eyelids with suffusion of the facial and head tissue. There was minor bruising to the right periorbital, eyebrow and temple regions, which likely relates to minor terminal blunt force trauma. Dr Charlwood expresses the view that this may be related to terminal hypoxic seizure activity and had likely occurred due to impact with surrounding objects in the cell. She also states that the overlying pillowcase and bag materials may have produced the linear impressions on his face. There was also minor abrasion to the front of the right knee and shin consistent with terminal injury. There were no broken bones within Mr Costi’s skeletal system. Dr Charlwood states: was no injury to overtly suggest a third party or other significant injury. The injuries are not considered to be a factor in the cause of death.' As far as toxicological analysis is concerned, alcohol, amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, morphine, benzodiazepines and common drugs were not detected in Mr Costi’s blood. Dr Charlwood further states that the features of the post mortem examination overall were in keeping with the nature of the hanging point. She adds: 'The presence of the pillow case and plastic bags also being present over the head of the deceased are difficult to interpret as to their involvement in the death, but these may have further contributed to hypoxia and the mechanism of death.' Taking all of the circumstances and findings into consideration Dr Charlwood opines that the cause of death was neck compression (due to hanging) and plastic bag
COSTI%20John%20Steve.docx