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From: [email protected] (Myra Dinnerstein)
Subject: AUTOPSY REPORT - NICOLE BROWN SIMPSON
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AUTOPSY REPORT
94-05136

I performed an autopsy on the body of BROWN-SIMPSON, NICOLE at
the DEPARTMENT OF CORONER Los Angeles, California on June 14,
1994 @0730 HOURS

>From the anatomic findings and pertinent history, I ascribe the
death to: MULTIPLE SHARP FORCE INJURIES Due To Or As a
Consequence of:
_____________________________________________________________
Anatomical Summary:
I. Incised wound of neck:
A. Transection of left and right common carotid arteries.
B. Incisions, left and right internal jugular veins.
C. Transection of thyrohyoid membrane, epiglottis, and
hypopharynx.
D. Incision into cervical spine, C3.
II. Multiple stab wound of neck and scalp (total of seven).
III. Multiple injuries of hands, including incised wound, ring
finger of right hand (defense wound).
IV. Scalp bruise, right parietal.

NOTES AND PROCEDURES
1. The body is described in the Standard Anatomical Position.
Reference is to this position only.
2. Where necessary, injuries are numbered for reference. This
is arbitrary and does not correspond to any order in which
they may have been incurred. All the injuries are
antemortem, unless otherwise specified.
3. The term "anatomic" is used as a specification to indicate
correspondence with the description as set forth in the
textbooks of Gross Anatomy. It denotes freedom from
significant, visible or morbid alteration.

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION:
The body is that of a well-developed, well-nourished Caucasian
female stated to be 35 years old. The body weighs 129 pounds and
measures 65 inches from crown to sole. The hair on the scalp is
brown. The irides are brown with the pupils fixed and dilated.
The sclerae and conjunctive are unremarkable, without evidence of
petechial hemorrhages on either. Both upper and lower teeth are
natural, without evidence of injury to the cheeks, lips or gums.
There are no tattoos, deformities or amputations. Two linear
surgical scars are found beneath each breast, transversely
oriented and measuring 2 inches in length. Rigor mortis is fixed
at the time of autopsy examination (please see form 1). The body
appears to the examiner as stated above. Identification is by
toe-tag and the autopsy is not material to identification. The
body is not embalmed. The head is normocephalic and there is
external evidence of antemortem injury to be described below.
Otherwise, the external auditory canals, eyes, nose and mouth are
not remarkable. The neck shows sharp force injury to be described
below, and the larynx is visible through the gaping wound. No
recent traumatic injuries are noted on the chest or abdomen; tan
lines are seen on the lower abdomen (bathing suit). The genitalia
are that of adult female with no gross evidence of injuries.
Examination of the posterior surface at the trunk shows some
excoriations compatible with postmortem injuries on the upper
back, right side, on the medial aspect of the right scapula and
on the lateral aspect of the right scapula (compatible with ant
to insect bites). An abrasion above the left scapula measures 3/4
x 1/2 inch and is red-brown in color and appears antemortem.
Otherwise, the lower back and remainder of the posterior aspect
of the body shows no evidence or recent injuries. Refer to
available photographs and diagrams and the specific documentation
of the autopsy protocol.

CLOTHING:
The decedent was wearing a short black dress, blood stained.
Also, she was wearing a pair of black panties To the unaided eye
examination there was no evidence of cut or tear.

EVIDENCE OF INJURY:

DESCRIPTION OF INCISED WOUND OF NECK:
The incised wound of the neck is gaping and exposes the larynx
and cervical vertebral column. It measures 5 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches
in length and is found at the level of the superior border of the
larynx. After approximation of the edges, it is seen to be
diagonally oriented on the right side and transversely oriented
>from the midline to the left side. On the right side it is
upwardly angulated toward the right earlobe and extends for 4
inches from the midline. On the left side it is transversely
oriented and extends 2 1/2 inches to the anterior border of the
left sternocleidomastoid muscle. The edges of the wound are
smooth, with subcutaneous and intramuscular hemorrhage, fresh,
dark red purple, is evident. On the right side the upwardly
angulated wound passes through the skin, the subcutaneous tissue,
the platysma, passing under the ramus of the right mandible and
upward as it passes through the strap muscles on the right,
towards the digastric muscle on the right, and through the
thyrohyoid membrane and ligament. Further dissection discloses
that it passes posteriorly and transects the distal one-third of
the epiglottis, the hypo-pharynx, and passes into the body of the
3rd cervical vertebra where it transversely oriented 3/4 inch
incised wound is seen in the bone, extending it for a depth of
1/4 inch into the bone. The spinal canal and cord are not
entered. On the right side superiorly the wound passes towards
the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and then becomes
more superficial and tapers as it terminates in the skin below
the right earlobe. On the left side the wound is transversely
oriented and extends for 2 1/2 inches where the wound path
intersects the stab wounds on the left side of the neck to be
described below. Dissection discloses that the right common
carotid artery is transected with hemorrhage in the surrounding
carotid sheath and there is a 1/4 incised wound or nick in the
right internal jugular vein with surrounding soft tissue
hemorrhage. On the left side the left common carotid artery is
transected with hemorrhage in the surrounding carotid sheath and
the left internal jugular vein is subtotally transected with only
a thin strand of tissue remaining posteriorly with surrounding
soft tissue hemorrhage. The injuries on the left side of the neck
intersect and the pathways of the stab wounds on the left side to
be described below. There is fresh hemorrhage and bruising noted
along the entire incised wound path. Depth of penetration is not
given because the neck can be either flexed or extended, and the
length of the wound is greater than the depth. Opinion: This is
a fatal incised wound or sharp force injury, associated with
transection of the left and right carotid arteries and incisions
of the left and right internal jugular veins with exsanguinating
hemorrhage.

DESCRIPTION OF MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS
There are four stab wounds on the left side of the neck over the
left sternocleidomastoid muscle; they extend to 3 inches below
the external auditory canal.
1. This stab wound overlaps that of the incised wound of the
neck described above. The wound measures 5/8 inch in length,
is vertically oriented, and has a squared-off end inferiorly
approximately 1/32 inch and a pointed end superiorly. The
minimal depth of the penetration, from left to right, is 1
1/2 to 2 inches where it intersects the incised wound.
Penetration is through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and
muscle, and injury to the internal jugular vein or common
carotid artery cannot be excluded.
2. Stab wound of left side of neck: This is a 1/8 inch
superficial slit-like incision into the skin and dermis; no
squared-off or dull end is evident. This is a superficial
slit-like wound of the skin, non-fatal.
3. Stab wound on left side of neck: This is a diagonally
oriented stab wound measuring 1/2 inch in length; there is a
pointed end on the posterior aspect and a squared-off end
anterior less than 1/32 inch in length. The edges are
smooth, and dissection disposes a depth of penetration for 1
1/2 to 2 inches where the stab wound intersects that of the
incised wound of the neck; the stab wounds are approximately
1 inch from the left lateral termination of the incised
wound. Fresh hemorrhage is noted along the wound path which
goes through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle.
Opinion: This stab wound cannot be distinguished from
injuries caused by the incised wound of the neck and may
have injured the left common carotid artery and/or the left
internal jugular vein.
4. Stab wound of the left side of neck: This is a diagonally
oriented stab wound measuring 7/8 inch in length; on the
posterior aspect there is a pointed end and on the anterior
aspect a squared -off or dull end approximately 1/32 inch in
width; otherwise the edges are smooth. Subsequent dissection
discloses the wound path through the skin, subcutaneous
tissue and muscle where it intersects the incised wound of
the neck. Depth of penetration is 1 - 1/2 inches. Opinion:
This stab wound may have injured the left common carotid
artery and/or the left internal jugular vein as described
above.
5. Stab wound of scalp, left parietal: This diagonally oriented
stab wound is located on the left parietal scalp, which is
shaved postmortem for visualization. It measures 1/2 inch in
length and no definite squared-off or dull end is evident,
both ends appearing to be rounded. Depth of penetration is
through the scalp, to the galea, approximately 3/8 - 1/2
inch. There is deep scalp hemorrhage and a subgaleal bruise,
measuring 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches; there is no cutting wound
or injury to the skull and there is no penetration into the
cranium. Opinion: This is a superficial stab wound or
cutting wound of the scalp, non-fatal.
6. Stab wound or cutting wound of scalp: This is transversely
oriented and is found in the right posterior
parietal-occipital region. The transversely oriented wound
measures 1 1/2 inches in length and has a pointed end to the
left and a fork or split into the right. Depth of
penetration is 3/8 - 1 1/2 inches with fresh deep scalp
bruising. Opinion: This is a non-fatal, stabbing or cutting
wound of the scalp.
7. Stab wound or cutting wound of the scalp, right
parietal-occipital: This is vertically oriented, measures
3/16 inch in length and involves the skin only. No
squared-off or dull end is evident, both ends or aspects
being pointed or tapered. There is a small amount of deep
scalp hemorrhage or bruising, no subgaleal hemorrhage.
Opinion: This is a non-fatal superficial stabbing or cutting
wound of the scalp.
8. Blunt force injury to head: On the right side of the scalp,
4 inches above the right external auditory canal there is a
scalp bruise; this is revealed after postmortem shaving of
the scalp. It measures 1 x 1 inches and is red-violet or
purple in color. The skin is smooth, non-abraded or
lacerated. Subsequent autopsy discloses fresh deep scalp
hemorrhage and fresh dark red-purple subgaleal hemorrhage or
bruising measuring 2 x 1 1/4 inches. Inferiorly the bruise
extends to the superficial right temporal muscle. There is
no associated skull fracture.

INJURIES TO HANDS:
Right hand: There is a 5/8 incised wound of the volar surface of
the right index finger at the distal knuckle. This 5/8 inch
incised wound is tangentially oriented or cut through the skin
and dermis with the avulsed skin inferiorly indicating that the
direction is from distal to proximal. Further examination
discloses that there is a split or forked end on the ulnar aspect
and pointed end on the radial aspect. There is a small amount of
dermal hemorrhage. On the dorsal surface of the right hand, at
the base of the ring finger, there is a 1/16 inch punctate
abrasion. Left hand: On the dorsal surface of the left hand,
there is a punctate abrasion, red-brown in color at the base of
the ring finger. There is a 1/2 inch superficial incised skin
cut, 1/2 inch in length, diagonally oriented, on the top of the
left hand, midportion.

INTERNAL EXAMINATION
The body is opened with the usual Y-shaped thoracoabdominal
incision revealing the abdominal wall adipose tissue to measure
1/4 - 3/8 inch in thickness. The anterior abdominal wall has its
normal muscular components and there is no evidence of abdominal
wall injury. Exposure of the body cavities shows the contained
organs in their usual anatomic locations with their usual
anatomic relationships. No free fluid or blood is found within
the pleural, pericardial, or the peritoneal cavities. The serosal
surfaces are smooth, thin, and glistening and there are no
intra-abdominal adhesions.

INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF INJURIES
There are no internal traumatic injuries involving the thorax or
thoracic viscera, abdomen or abdominal viscera.

SYSTEMIC AND ORGAN REVIEW
Autopsy findings, or the lack of them, are considered apart from
those already stated. The following observations pertain to
findings other than the injuries and changes that are described
above.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM--SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE--SKIN
Examination of the breasts reveals bilateral silastic implants
that are intact. Otherwise, no other significant changes are
noted in the breasts. The remainder of the musculoskeletal system
and subcutaneous tissue are anatomic.

HEAD--CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
The external injuries to the scalp have been described. A small
abrasion, red-brown in color, measuring 3/8 x 1/4 inch and
appearing to be antemortem is found lateral-posterior to the
right eyebrow and this is a non-patterned superficial abrasion.
The hemorrhage beneath the scalp, due to the sharp force injuries
have been described. There is no hemorrhage deep into the
temporal muscles. There are no tears of the dura mater and no
recent epidural, subdural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. The dura
is stripped to reveal no fractures of the bones of the calvarium
or base of the skull. The pituitary gland is normally situated
in the sella turcica and is not enlarged. The cranial nerves are
enumerated and they are intact, symmetrical and anatomic in size,
location and course. The component vessels of the circle of
Willis are identified. They are anatomic in size, course,
configuration and distribution. The blood vessels are intact,
free of aneurysms or other anomaly, and non-occluded and show no
significant atherosclerosis. Examination of the non-formalin
fixed, fresh brain shows: The cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum,
brainstem, pons and medulla to show their normal anatomical
structures. The cerebellar, the pontine and medullary surfaces
present no lesions. Multiple sections reveal an anatomic
appearing cortex, white matter, ventricular system and basal
ganglia. There is no evidence of hemorrhage, cyst or neoplasm
involving the brain substance. The spinal chord, in the vicinity
of the cervical incised wound is dissected; there is no evidence
or intraspinal hemorrhage and no evidence of sharp force injury
to the spinal chord.

ORGANS OF SPECIAL SENSES
Not dissected.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM--THROAT STRUCTURES
The oral cavity, viewed from below, is anatomic. The teeth are
examined and there is no evidence of injury and there is no
evidence of injury to the cheeks, lips, gums, or tongue. No blood
is present. Injuries to the upper airway including the incised
wound of the hypopharynx and epiglottis have been described.
Otherwise, the mucosa of the larynx, piriform sinuses, trachea
and major bronchi are anatomic. No mucosal lesions are evident
and no blood is present. The hyoid bone and thyroid cartilages
are intact, inasmuch as the incised wound passes through the
thyrohyoid membrane and ligament and both greater cornuas of the
thyroid cartilage are intact. Hemorrhage is present in the tissue
adjacent to the neck organs due to the incised would as described
above. There is no hemorrhage into the substance of the thyroid
gland which anatomic in size and location. The parathyroid glands
are not identified. Lungs: Right lung weighs 330 grams; left
lung 300 grams. The external appearance and that of the sectioned
surface of the lungs show minimal congestion and otherwise no
injuries or lesions. No foreign material, infarction, or neoplasm
is encountered. The pulmonary arteries are free of thromboemboli.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
The heart weighs 280 grams, and is anatomic in size and
configuration. The chambers, valves and myocardium are anatomic,
and a minimal amount of liquid blood is found within the cardiac
chambers. No focal endocardial, valvular, or myocardial lesions
are seen. There are no congenital anomalies. Multiple transverse
sections of the left and right coronary arteries reveal them to
be thin-walled and patent throughout with no significant
atherosclerosis. The aorta and major branches are anatomic and
show only minimal lipid streaking of the intima. The portal and
caval veins and the major branches are anatomic. Note: The
injuries of the common carotid arteries and internal jugular
veins have been described above.

GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
The mucosa and wall of the esophagus are intact and gray-pink and
no lesions or injuries are evident. The gastric mucosa is intact
and pink. No mucosal lesions are evident and there are no
residuals of medication or blood. Examination of the gastric
contents reveals approximately 500 ml. of chewed semisolid food
in the stomach. Recognizable food particles are identified as
follows: pieces of pasta appearing to be rigatoni, fragments of
apparent spinach leaves; and the remainder, chewed, partially
digested non-recognizable food material. The mucosa of the
duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and rectum are intact. The lumen
is patent. No mucosal lesions are evident, and no blood is
present. The fecal content is usual in appearance.

HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM -- PANCREAS
The liver weighs 1370 grams. The capsular surface is intact. The
subcapsular and the cut surface of the liver are uniformly
brown-red in color, and free of nodularity and are usual in
appearance. The biliary duct system, including the gallbladder,
are free of anomaly and no lesions are evident. The mucosa is
intact and bile stained. The lumen are patent and no calculi are
present. The pancreas is anatomic both externally and on cut
surface.

HEMOLYMPHATIC SYSTEM -- ADRENAL GLAND
The spleen weighs 90 grams and has an intact capsule. Cut surface
shows the usual dark red-purple parenchyma which is firm and no
lesions are evident. The blood, the bone marrow and the
usually-named aggregates of lymph nodes do not appear to be
significantly altered. The thymus gland is no identifiable. The
adrenal glands are their usual size and location and cut surface
presents no lesions.

URINARY SYSTEM
Each kidney weights 100 grams. The kidneys are anatomic in size,
location and configuration. The capsules are stripped to show a
pale brown surface. On section the cut surface shows no
abnormalities of the cortex and medulla. The calyces, pelves,
ureters and urinary bladder are unaltered in appearance. The
mucosa is gray-pink, no calculi are present and no blood is
present. The urinary bladder contains a few ml. of clear urine.
GENITAL SYSTEM (female) The uterus, tubes, and adnexa are
anatomic. Cut surface of the uterus shows no lesions and a thin
light brown endometrium. The vagina has its normal mucosal
surface and no lesions or injuries are evident.

HISTOLOGY
Representative portions of the various organs, including the
larynx and hyoid, are preserved in 10% formaldehyde and placed in
a single storage container.

TOXICOLOGY
A sample of cardiac chamber blood and urine are submitted for
toxicologic analysis.

SEROLOGY
A sample of intracardiac blood is submitted in an EDTA tube.

RADIOLOGY
None.

PHOTOGRAPHY
In addition to the routine identification photographs, pertinent
photographs are taken of the external injury.

WITNESSES
Detective Vannatter and Lange, Los Angeles Police Department,
Robbery-Homicide, were present during the autopsy.

DIAGRAMS USED
Forms 16, 20, 20D, 20F, 20G, 20H, 22, 23, 24 and 29 were utilized
during the performance of the autopsy.

OPINION
Death is attributed to multiple sharp force injuries, including a
deep incised wound of the neck and multiple stab wounds of the
neck. The sharp force injuries led to transection of the left
and right common carotid arteries, and incisions of the left and
right internal jugular vein causing fatal exsanguinating
hemorrhage. The sharp force injury to the scalp were superficial,
non-fatal. Injuries present on the hands, including the incised
wound of the right hand are compatible so-called defense wounds.
Routine toxicologic studies were ordered.

/s/ Irwin L. Golden M.D.
IRWIN L. GOLDEN DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER
June 16, 1994 Date