Post-Mortem Report
Deceased: Vincent Collins
Date of Birth: 27-07-XXXX
Age at Time of Death: 52
Date of Death: 15-08-XXXX
Location of Death: Office of Vincent Collins, Collins Mansion
Conducted by: Dr. Elena Montgomery
Date of Examination: 16-08-XXXX
Physical Findings: Upon examination, the body of Vincent Collins was found in a supine position, on the floor near the wreckage of a fallen chandelier. Blood was found pooling extensively around the head, chest, and upper torso, suggesting significant blood loss from injuries to these areas.
Position of the Body: The body was found face-up, arms extended out, legs spread awkwardly beneath him. These findings indicate that the deceased had been in a helpless or restrained position at the time of death.
Clothing: The deceased was attired in a formal dark gray suit. The suit was heavily stained with blood, most notably on the chest and hands, indicating significant bleeding from upper body injuries.
Initial Injuries (Chandelier Impact): The fall of the chandelier had caused several superficial wounds to the head and neck, including bruising and lacerations, with broken glass fragments embedded in the scalp. These injuries were not fatal but contributed to the overall trauma. The injury to the head caused by the chandelier resulted in bleeding, but these wounds were not deep enough to have been the primary cause of death.
Injuries and Cause of Death:
1. Head Injuries:
Skull Fracture: A prominent skull fracture was noted on the right side of the head, where the chandelier struck. This fracture did not penetrate the skull but caused substantial external bruising and swelling around the right eye and cheekbone.
Lacerations: Several deep lacerations were noted on the scalp, with significant bleeding. These wounds, however, were not life-threatening on their own.
2. Torture Injuries (Post-Chandelier Impact):
The body exhibited numerous signs of brutal torture, particularly around the chest and abdomen. These wounds were inflicted with a sharp, serrated object, suggesting a sustained attack that took place after the initial injury.
Multiple Deep Stab Wounds: There were several deep, jagged stab wounds to the chest and abdomen, consistent with the use of a serrated blade. The wounds were uneven, with jagged edges, indicating the attacker's intent to cause maximum damage. The majority of these stab wounds were concentrated on the upper torso and abdomen, with some reaching deep enough to damage internal organs.
Abdominal Lacerations: The victim had deep lacerations on the abdomen, with multiple incisions that had penetrated the stomach and intestines. These injuries were extensive and caused severe internal bleeding. The abdominal cavity showed evidence of violent trauma, with contusions and bruising surrounding the wounds, further suggesting that the injuries were inflicted with force.
3. Neck and Throat Injuries:
Deep Laceration of the Neck: A particularly severe and fatal injury was found around the victim's neck, a deep laceration that had severed major blood vessels. This wound caused rapid blood loss, and was likely a contributing factor in the victim's eventual death. The laceration was clean but deep, suggesting it was inflicted deliberately with force.
Strangulation Marks: A second set of marks around the neck suggested some form of compression. These marks were consistent with strangulation and may have been intended to subdue the victim before the fatal injury was delivered. The bruising around the neck was not consistent with external pressure but rather indicated a period of strangulation prior to the fatal laceration.
4. Defensive Wounds:
The hands and forearms showed several minor cuts and abrasions, consistent with defensive wounds. These injuries were superficial but indicated that the victim attempted to shield himself from the stabs, particularly around the chest and upper torso.
Blood Loss and Cause of Death:The primary cause of death was the loss of blood from the multiple deep stab wounds to the chest and abdomen, along with the fatal laceration to the neck. The deceased had suffered significant blood loss due to these injuries. The wound to the neck, in particular, led to rapid hemorrhage and likely caused death by exsanguination.
The injury to the head caused by the chandelier, while painful and traumatic, was not severe enough to be fatal. It was the subsequent stab wounds and deep cuts to the torso and neck that led to death.
Toxicology Report:Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): None detected.
Drugs: No traces of illicit substances were found in the bloodstream.
Prescription Medication: None identified.
Conclusion:The cause of death was primarily the result of multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen, combined with a fatal laceration to the neck. The injuries suggest a deliberate and prolonged assault intended to inflict extreme pain and suffering before death. The fall of the chandelier caused initial blunt force trauma, but these injuries were not fatal. The subsequent wounds, particularly the stab wounds and the neck laceration, were the direct cause of death.
The pathologist could not determine the identity of the assailant from the injuries alone, but the nature of the wounds suggests a targeted and brutal attack meant to ensure the victim's suffering before death.
Signature of Pathologist:
Dr. Elena Montgomery
July 24, XXXX
Jade's body was already trembling by the time she finished reading the report. Her expression had morphed into one of complete shock. Her slender fingers trembled and she dropped the report on the bed. She couldn't believe what she had just read. Her head throbbed painfully and her ears started ringing. She placed her palms on them but the ringing did not cease. Tears started pooling in her eyes from the pain but she could not make a sound. She started struggling, her breathing turned uneven and with one final painful gasp, her body turned slack. She fell on the bed in an awkward half-sitting position, unmoving.
Tristen watched everything silently from the shadows. The moment her body turned slack, everything stilled for him. He flashed to her side and held out his arms to hold her but…she passed right through his arms and fell on the bed. He stood there with his arms held out. Releasing the situation he withdrew his arms and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. He forgot to materialise before trying to hold her. Regardless, he pressed the bell beside her bed and retreated to the shadows.