Body Bugs

Case

• Her landowner says she was never late with rent payments. Credit companies say that she paid all of her bills on time. Next door neighbor says Ms. Mendoza was a loner, with few visitors, and she rarely went out after work, or held late hours.

• As an only child, Gloria Mendoza did not have any close relatives and both parents were killed in a car accident 3 years ago.

• Police detectives are investigating whether Gloria Mendoza's death was a suicide, natural death, or homicide.

Autopsy Report

• DEATH D/T: 12/16/99

• AUTOPSY D/T: 12/16/99 @1300

• IDENTIFIED BY: dental records

• Died in bedroom

• Found in full rigor mortis

• Cuts on wrist and fingers (defense wounds)

• Scratches on neck

DNA EvidenceDNA evidence from the skin under Gloria Mendoza's fingernails.

DNA evidence from the victim's hairbrush was also found to match the DNA of Gloria Mendoza.

DNA evidence from the victim's teeth were inconclusive.

FingerprintsSeveral partial fingerprints were found on the bottle of prescription drugs.

This was the only complete print that was able to be lifted from the bottle.

HairThis sample was taken from Gloria Mendoza's hair brush but the color does not match the hair color of the victim.

Presence of a damaged follicle indicates that this hair was pulled out.

Pathology

• Large scrapings of skin under the fingernails of the victim.

• According to the forensic geneticist, the skin under the victim's fingernails did match the DNA of Gloria Mendoza.

Odontology

Identity of victim confirmed by dental records.

Skin in teeth is being tested for DNA and checked against FBI database, to no matches

SerologistBlood found on the knife, pillow, and bedroom floor, in addition to Gloria Mendoza's blood was tested.

Blood on the knife and pillow matched Gloria's blood. However, the blood collected on the floor was not Gloria's.

EntomologistBlow fly larva found in body

Point: blow fly larva presence inconsistent with autopsy report

Verdict

• Victim (Gloria Mendoza) attacked in her home

• Cause of death: hemorrhaging by Prozac

overdose (suicide)