Form MG 11 (T)
Page 1 of 3
WITNESS STATEMENT
(CJ act 1967, s9;MC Act 1980, ss 5A(3);(a)and 5B;MC Rules 1981,r70)
Statement of: Albert Middleton Babbert
Age if under 18: OVER 18 (if over 18 state over 18) Occupation: FORENSIC SCIENTIST
This statement (consisting of 3 page(s) each signed by me) is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be liable to prosecution if I have willfully stated anything which I know to be false or do not believe to be true.
Signed: A.M. Babbert Date: 7/15/07
Qualifications and Experience
I am a Bachelor of Science (Honors), a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, and a Doctor of Forensic Medicine in pathology. I was employed for over 20 years by the City of Chicago, IL in the Medical Examiner’s office, specializing in the analysis of bodily fluids and other materials for the presence of alcohol, drugs and poisons. While in the Medical Examiner’s office I was designated an Authorized Analyst under the provisions of Section 16 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act of 1988. Since February of 2002 I have been employed by the New York City Medical Examiner’s office in a similar capacity as a Forensic Toxicologist.
Receipt of Items
On the 13th of July 2007, the following items were received at the laboratory from the New York City Police Department:
Taken from the body of Bianca Applebaum at autopsy (7/13/07)
NCH/39 Urine-Preserved
NCH/40 Urine
NCH/41 Bile
NCH/42 Bile-Preserved
Signed: A.M. Babbert
Continuation of Statement of: Albert Middleton Babbert Page 2 of 3
NCH/43 Heart Blood
NCH/44 Blood-Fluoride Oxalate
NCH/46 Blood-EDTA
NCH/47 Plain Blood
NCH/48 Left Lung
NCH/49 Contents of Stomach
NCH/50 Liver (Sample)
NCH/52 Vitreous humor-preserved
NCH/53 Vitreous humor
Circumstances
I understand that the body of Bianca Applebaum was found at 7 am on the 12th of July 2007. Crime scene investigators found no evidence of violence or struggle.
Purpose
I have been asked by the NYPD to analyze the post-mortem samples for the presence of alcohol, drugs, medicines, and volatile substances in order to determine if any of these substances were involved in Mrs. Applebaum’s death.
Nature of Examination
The blood and urine samples were analyzed for the presence of alcohol, and a wide range of commonly available drugs, including amphetamines; barbiturates; benzodiazepine drugs; benzoylecgonine (the metabolite of cocaine); cannabinoids (the constituents of cannabis); chemically basic drugs such as antidepressants, dextropropoxyphene and antihistamines amongst a wide range of other substances; methadone; methylamphetimine; 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetimine (MDMA, “Ecstacy”) and related compounds; and opiate drugs such as morphine and heroine. The stomach contents were examined and analyzed for paracetamol. The blood was also analyzed for paracetamol and volatile substances such as organic solvents.
No other analyses were performed.
Signed: A.M. Babbert
Results Page 3 of 3
The following substances were found in the blood item NCH/47, and in the stomach, item NHC/49 at the stated concentrations:
Hydrogen Cyanide 97 micrograms per milliliter of blood
No other substances were found. Ms. Applebaum was clear for alcohol and drugs.
Commentary
Hydrogen Cyanide is a highly poisonous substance. In this concentration it is unlikely that she ingested it accidentally. She would have died in a matter of minutes from the initial ingestion. The only other substance in her stomach was coffee with cream and sugar. The carbon content of the coffee suggests Starbucks. It is likely that the poison was placed in the coffee. The bitterness of the coffee would have masked the flavor of the poison. It is likely, therefore, that the killer was someone close enough to her to have had access to her coffee, and someone heartless enough to watch her die, which she would have started to do within moments.
Conclusions
1. Cause of death was asphyxiation caused by an overdose of hydrogen cyanide.
2. Homicide.
3. Senseless tragedy.
Personal Note
Performing the autopsy on Ms. Applebaum has shaken me to the core. Even in death she is a vision of innocence and beauty. I am overcome with the senselessness of her death, and a vile hatred for whoever is responsible for her death. Such a monster must clearly be of the cruelest and most depraved variety. This experience has inspired me to change the kind of medicine I practice. After today I will be tendering my resignation to the medical examiner of New York County. I intend to pursue a career in pediatrics. I want to be a part of life, not death.
Signed: A.M. Babbert
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