Tox report Doris

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 13^th of July 2007, the following items were received at the laboratory from the New York City Police Department:

Taken from the body of Doris 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 Doris Applebaum was found at 2 pm on the 13^th of July 2007.  Crime scene investigators found evidence of cocaine use, several empty liquor bottles, and an empty bottle of vicodin.  There was no sign of violence.  Overdose is suspected.

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/47at the

stated concentrations:                                                                                                                 

Vicodin                                                                 35 micrograms per milliliter of blood

Blood Alcohol Level                                         %.10                                                                     

Benzoylecgonine                                             40 micrograms per milliliter of blood

Hydrogen Cyanide                                           97 micrograms per milliliter of blood

The following substances were found in the stomach, item NHC/49

Vicodin                                                                 2 partially digested 50 Milligram tablets

Vodka                                                                   3 oz.

No other substances were found. 

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.  According to the autopsy the hydrogen cyanide was found in her nasal cavity, suggesting that the drug was mixed with the cocaine she was using.   She would have suffered paralysis of the involuntary muscle functions of the lungs, and, as a result, asphyxiation.  The cocaine and vicodin were not at high enough levels in her blood stream to result in overdose even with the added alcohol.  The Hydrogen Cyanide was the clear cause of death.  Hydrogen Cyanide is not a common substance with which to cut cocaine, given that doing so would kill the user.  The presence of the poison in the cocaine that she used indicates malicious intent.  The fact that no other bodies were found on the scene indicates that she was hording this batch of cocaine for herself, a practice known in drug taking circles as miserism. 

Conclusions

1.       Cause of death was asphyxiation caused by an overdose of hydrogen cyanide.

2.       Homicide.

3.       No Great loss.

Personal Note

It is hard to believe that this sordid monster of a woman had any relationship to the divine Bianca Applebaum whose body I examined earlier.  Bianca made this woman seem like the vilest of beasts.

Signed: A.M. Babbert