REPORT OF POST MORIEM EXAMINAT\OU
Steven T. Hayne, M.D., F.C.A.P.
350 crossgates Blvd., Brandon, MS
Decedent Georgie Kemp

Off:
Res:

39042

AME2-Bj'-92
601-825-1541
601-992-4583

Authorized by Don Harris, CMEI Lowndes

1

_unusual
~Violent or Unnatural
___unattended by Physician
_ I n prison
Sudden in apparent health
Suspicious
x
Arms
LIVOR
.,L_Jaw
RIGOR
x Chest
Color purple
.._2t_Neck
_x_Abdomen
___
Anterior
~B&ck
~Posterior
_Lateral
~Legs
Regional
fixed
Age 84
Race Cau
Sex F
Length 5'5.5" Weight 130
Eyes hz 1 Pup i 1s R~
Hair gray Beard no Mustache no
Circumcised no
Body Heat absent
L9
Opacities.
BODY IDENTIFIED BY:
PERSONS PRESENT AT AUTOPS
Don Harris
Prosector
--~---------------------------------------------------* Jimmy Roberts, CMEI Ranki
Cl~thes:
Nightgown/2 stockings
Two representatives from
Columbus Police Oepartmen
Don sumrall, MHP
Jewelry:
Ring
Valuables:
Other:
3 hair clips
Serology:
1 red blood/1 purple blood
Toxicology: 2 gray blood/1 gray vitreous fluid
Trace Evidence: RSVK I I I I kit/R-L finger & palm prints/Photo
CAUSE OF DEATH:
Stab wounds of left' chest (two).
MANNER OF DEATH:
Homicide.
Type of Death

*
*
*
**
*
*
*
*

1.

GENERAL:
The post mortem examination is requested by Don Harris, Coroner
Medical Examiner/Investigator of Lowndes County. The request for
the post mortem examination is made in that the decedent, Georgie
Kemp, died a violent death. The request for the post mortem
examination is in compliance with the Coroners Reorganization Act
of 1986.
The post mortem examination is conducted at the Rankin County
Morgue in Pearl, Mississippi, at 1940 hours on 3 February 1992.
The remains are identified as those of Geo~gie Kemp by Coroner

* ___
* -.:x=.

Provisional Repc
Final Report

*

1940 hours, 3 February 1992

herein are true and correc
f my knowledge and belief:

Steven T. H yne, M.D., F.C.A.P.
Anatomic, F ~ensi & Clinical Pathology
Rankin County Morgue
Deputy Coron ·, R nk in County
~P~e~s~r~l~·-LM~i~s~s~,~·s~s~i~p~p~j-----------------------Designated Patn
agist,
Place of Autopsy
Mississippi r tte Medical Examiner's Of
Time

and Date

 AME2-B8-92
Medical Examiner/Investigator Don Harris.
Individuals present and
attending the post mortem examination include the prosector, Jimmy
Roberts, Coroner Medical Examiner/Investigator of Rankin County,
two representatives of the Columbus Police Department, and Don
Sumrall, Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The decedent is a white female appearing the approximate recorded
age of 84 years. Clothing, valuables, and jewelry include a
nightgown, two stockings, and three hair clips.
In addition, a
ring is recovered and returned to the Columbus Police Department
for transportation to the next of kin. The clothing is removed
prior to the external and internal examinations.
The decedent is noted to measure 5'5 1/2" in height and have an
approximate body weight of 130 lb. Well-developed rigor mortis is
present and noted to involve the jaw, neck, back, legs, arms,
chest, and abdomen. Fixed purple livor mortis is present over the
posterior aspects of the remains. Body heat is absent.
2.

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION:
A. Head and Neck:
Examination of the scalp reveals the scalp to
be covered with gray hair. The scalp is palpated, and a diffuse
subgaleal contusion is appreciated. The eyes are hazel, the
sclerae are clear, and the pupils are fixed bilaterally at 0.5 em.
Multiple contusions are identified over the bridge of the nose
that measure up to 1 em in single greatest dimension. Contusions
are identified over the left inferior temple as well as the
superior left midcheek that measure in aggregate 4.5 x 3 em.
Multiple smaller contusions are identified extending from the
bridge of the nose on the left side over the left cheek that
measure up to 1.2 em. Multiple abrasions are identified over the
superior left lateral cheek that measure up to 0.3 em.
Examination of the neck reveals the presence of multiple
contusions identified over the mid to left anterior surface of the
neck that measure up to 4 em in single greatest dimension. A 2 x
1 em abrasion is identified over the mid aspect of the neck.
In
addition, contusions are identified over the anterior right aspect
of the neck that measure up to. 1 em in single greatest dimension.
B. Right Upper Extremity: Examination of the right arm, forearm,
and hand reveals the presence of multiple scars identified over
the posterior surface of the arm, forearm, and dorsum of the hand
that individually measure up to l em in sing1e greatest dimension.
An a x 12 em contusion is identified over the antero1atera1 aspect
of the arm.

Or.

 ,-

AME2-B8-92

c.

Left Upper Extremity: Examination of the left arm, forearm,
and hand reveals the presence of multiple scars identified over
the posterior surfaces of the arm and forearm that measure up to
1 em in single greatest dimension. No acute contusions,
abrasions, or lacerations are identified to involve the extrenlity.

o.

Right Lower Extremity: Examination of right leg and foot
reveals the presence of an area of ulceration that measures 6 x
4 em identified over the proximal anterolateral aspect of the
shin. Multiple scars are identified over the inferoanterior sur·
fac& of the thigh, patellar surface, and shin that measure up to
1 em in single greatest dimension. No acute contusions,
abrasions, or lacerations are identified to involve the extremity.

E. Left Lower Extremity: Examination of the left leg and foot
reveals the presence of multiple scars identified over the
anterior surface of the thigh, patellar surface, and shin that
individually measure up to 1 em in single greatest dimension.
Multiple contusions are identified over the shin that measure up
to 10 em. A 1-cm abrasion is identified in the midaspect of the
shin.
chest and Abdomen: Examination of the chest and abdomen
reveals the presence of multiple contusions identified over the
chest wall that measure up to 3 em and a patterned series of
abrasions each of which is noted to measure 0.8 em identified over
the superior right midchest wall.
In addition, two stab wounds
are identified over the left chest wall which will be described in
a subsequent section.
F.

Back: Examination of the back reveals no significant acute
contusions, abrasions, or lacerations.

G.

3.

STAB WOUNDS:
A total of two stab wounds is identified to involve the external
surface of the remains, and the stab wounds are noted to have
occurred in close temporal proximity.

stab Wound n1: The arbitrarily selected first stab wound
consists of a well-defined, linear stab wound over the left
midchest wall and is located at its apex 39 em inferior from the
top of the head and 10 em to the left of the midline. The stab
wound is angled superiorly and to the right with the angle of
incident being 10-15 em from the vertical. The skin surface stab
wound measures 2.1 em on its long axis and 0.2 em at its short.
axis with the superficial abrasion measuring 0.5 em on the left
superior aspect of the stab wound.
A.

 AME2-B8-92
The angles of the stab wound are anterior to posterior, superior
to inferior, and right to left at approximately 10 degrees. The
stab wound is measured to a depth of 18 em +/- 1 em. The stabbing
instrument is noted to course through the diaphragm, mesentery,
and left spleen and, in part, result in the displacement of
1500 cc of blood into the abdominal cavity.

a. Stab Wound U2: The arbitrarily selected second stab wound
consists of an irregular stab wound found over the left chest wall
and its superior apex is located 41 em inferior from the top of
the head, and its right margin is located 11.5 em to the left of
the midline. The stab wound is distorted in part from the lines
of Langer. The stab wound measures 4.3 em on its long axis and
2.2 em on its short axis. The stab wound angles are noted to be
anterior to posterior, superior to inferior, and right equals
approximately left. The depth of the stab wound is estimated at
20 em +/- 1 em. The stabbing instrument is noted to result in
stab wounds of the left kidney and spleen and, in part, contribute
to the displacement of 1500 cc of blood into the abdominal cavity.
Both stab wounds represents lethal stab wounds.
4.

INTERNAL EXAMINATION:

The body is opened via the usual "Y" incision, and subcutaneous
adipose tissue over the chest wall is noted to measure to a depth
of 1 em and over the abdomen to a depth of 1 em. The anterior
right and left ribs are reflected en bloc with the sternum in the
usual manner. A small amount of clear wetting fluid is present
within the right and left pleural cavities. The pleural surfaces
of the right and left lungs are unremarkable. The right lung is
noted to have a mass of 850 gm, and the left lung is noted to have
a mass of 800 gnl. The pleural surfaces of the right and left
lungs are within normal limits. The lungs are serially cross
sectioned, and a moderate amount of serosanguineous fluid exudes
from the cut surfaces. Examination of the cross sections of the
lungs fails to reveal evidence of thromboemb~lic phenomena, tumor,
and/or infection. Examination of the trachea reveals no
significant abnormalities. No. fo1·eign material is found withil'1
the luminal space of the trachea, and the mucQsal surface of the
trachea is unremarkable. The structures of the neck are
dissected, and no evidence of hemorrhage is identified to involve
the right or left strap musc}es, thyroid gland, trachea, and/or
larynx. The greater cornu of the thyroid cartil&ge as well as the
hyoid bone are intact.
The pericardial sac is opened, and a small amount of clear wetting
fluid is present within the luminal space. The takeoff of the
great vessels is unremarkable. The heart is noted to have a mass

 AME2-B8-92

of 340 gm. The external aspect of the heart is unremarkable. The
coronary arteries are serially cross sectioned, and approximately
20% luminal narrowing of the right coronary artery, 20% luminal
narrowing of the left coronary artery, 20% luminal narrowing of
the circumflex coronary artery, and 30% luminal narrowing of the
and of the left coronary artery is found secondary to concentric
and nonconcentric atherosclerotic plaquing of the intima.
Evidence of intraluminal thrombosis is not identified to involve
the coronary arteries. The heart is serially cross sectioned, and
the right ventricle is noted to measure 0.6 em in thickness, and
the left ventricle measures 1.8 em in thickness. Evidence of
acute or remote infarction is not appreciated on gross inspection.
The four cardiac valves are unremarkable other than the presence
of mild calcific aortic stenosis. Evidence of congenital heart
disease is not seen. The aorta is examined through its entire
course, and mild atherosclerotic plaquing of the intima is
present.
The abdominal cavity is opened, and approximately 1500 cc of
clotted and nonclotted blood is present within the luminal space.
The liver assumes its usual right upper quadrant abdominal
location and is noted to have a mass of 1630 gm. The capsule is
intact, and no subcapsular contusions are appreciated. The liver
is serially cross sectioned, and a moderate amount of
serosanguineous fluid exudes from the cut surfaces. Examination
of the cross sections of the liver reveals no distinct
abnormalities. Frank evidence of steatosis is not appreciated on
gross inspection. The gallbladder is found on the inferior
surface of the liver and is noted to measure 11 em in length and
contain approximately 10 cc of green bile as well as multiple
smooth-surfaced, dark brown stones that measure up to 1.3 em and
are multifaceted. The biliary tree is patent to the duodenum.
The spleen assumes its usual left upper quadrant abdominal
location and is noted to have a mass of 170 gm. The two stab
wounds to the spleen have been previously described. The spleen
is serially cross sectioned, and hemorrhage is identified in the
wound tract.
The right and left kidneys assume the usual retroperitoneal
location, and each is noted to have a mass of 180 gm. The stab
wound Lo the left kidney has been previously described. The
capsules strip with ease revealing smooth cortical surfaces
bilaterally though p&le discoloration is appreciated. The kidneys
&re serially cross sectioned, and a scant amount of
~erosanguineous fluid exudes from the cut surfaces.
The calyces
are unremarkable. The ureters are single bilaterally and patent
to the urinary bladder. The urinary bladder contains approxi-

Dr. Ste

 AME2-BB-92
m&tely 5 cc of urine. Examination of the vaginal vault reveals
the presence of contusions and abrasions identified over the
superior aspect of the vaginal vault that commence from the
proximal aspect of the vault to the distal that measure up to
2.1 em in single greatest dimension.
In addition, extensive
contusions and abrasions are identified over the lateral aspect of
the vaginal vault that measure up to 1.7 em and are found on both
the right and left lateral aspects of the vault.
The esophagus is unremarkable. The mucosal surface is within
normal limits, and no particulate food matter or other material is
found within the luminal space of the esophagus. The stomach
contains no particulate food matter or other material, and the
mucosal surface of the stomach is unremarkable. The small bowel,
vermiform appendix, and large bowel are unremarkable. Well-formed
stool is present within the large bowel. Examination of the
mesentery reveals the presence of a stab wound.
The pancreas assumes its usual retroperitoneal location and is
noted to have a mass of 120 gm. The tan structure is serially
cross sectioned, and no abnormalities are identified. The right
and left adrenal glands assume the usual suprarenal location, and
each is noted to have a mass of 5 gm. Left periadrenal gland
hemorrhage is identified. The structures are serially cross
sectioned, and no abnormalities to involve the parenchyma of
either gland are found.
The scalp is reflected, and a diffuse noncontinuous subgaleal
hemorrhage is appreciated with individual areas measuring up to
7 em. The cranial vault is removed, and no evidence of an epidural, subdural, and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage is present. The
leptomeninges are thin and delicate. The brain has a mass of
1305 gm.
The gyri and sulc; are of normal configuration. The
circle of Willis and supportive vascular structures are
unremarkable. The brain is serially cross sectioned, and no gross
abnormalities are appreciated. The dura is stripped, and no
evidence of fracture to involve the calvarium or base of the skull
is foLmd.
5.

SEXUAL ASSAULT KIT:
An RSVK 1 I I I Sexual Assault Kit is used to. collect evidence in its
completeness. The kit is transported to the Mississippi State
Crime Lab for analysis.

6.

TOXICOLOGY:

Two gray-topped tubes of blood and one gray-topped tube of

...

i.

 AME2-B8-92

vitreous fluid are submitted to the Mississippi State Crime Lab
for analysis. The final reports are pending.
1.

SEROLOGY:
One red-topped tube of ventricular heart blood is submitted to the
Mississippi State Crime Lab for analysis. The final report is
pending.

S.

DNA STUDIES:
One purple-topped tube of ventricular heart blood is submitted to
the Mississippi State Crime Lab for analysis if and when requested
by Coroner Medical Examiner/Investigator Don Harris.

9.

TRACE EVIDENCE:
Right and left fingerprints, right and left palm prints, the
previously identified sexual assault kit (RSVK I I I 1), nightgown,
two stockings, and three hair clips are submitted to the
Mississippi State Crime Lab for analysis. The final reports are
pending.

10.

RADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES:
Radiographs of the chest and head co-submitted with the remains
are retained at the Rankin County Morgue.

11.

TRANSPORTATION OF THE REMAINS:
The remains are transported to and from the Rankin County Morgue
by ambulance service. The condition of the remains at the time of
arrival and departure is noted to be adequate.

12.

BODY ORGANS:
Representative sections of the major body organs are retained for
microscopic analysis. The remaining and preponderance of the body
tissues are returned to the body cavities.

13.

NOTIFICATION OF THE CORONER:
Upon completion of the external and internal examinations, Coroner
AME2-BS-92&miner/lnvestigator Don Harris is apprised as to the
preliminary cause and manner of death.

 ...

AME2-BB-92
14.

MICROSCOPIC ANALYSES:
A. Respiratory system: sections of lung reveal mild pulmonary
congestion and edema. Vascular congestion is focally pronlinent,
and occasional areas of pink proteinaceous material deposition
within the alveolar spaces is found. A section of trachea is
unremarkable.

e. cardiovascular System: A section of myocardium is essentially
within normal lintits. Evidence of acute or remote infarction is
not appreciated. Early loss of cellular detail is found. A
section of aorta reveals mild atherosclerotic plaquing.

c.

Hepatobiliary System: A section of liver reveals prominent
acute congestion with early autolytic change.

D. Reticuloendothelial system: A section of spleen reveals acute
congestion manifest by increased numbers of erythrocytes within
the sinusoidal spaces.
E. Genitourinary System: A section of kidney reveals occasion61
obsolescent glomeruli and mild arteriolonephrosclerosis.

F.

Gastrointestinal System: Sections of esophagus, stomach,
small bowel, and large bowel are essentially unremarkable.

G. Endocrine system: A section of pancreas reveals autolytic
change, and a section of adrenal gland is unremarkable.
Central Nervous System: sections of cerebral cortex and
cerebellum are within normal limits.

H.

15.

CAUSES OF DEATH:
A.

Immediate Cause of Death:

e.

Underlying causes of Death:
(1)

(2)
(3)
(4)

c.

stab wounds of the left chest (2).

stab wound of the sp~een (2).
Stab wound of the left kidney.
Stab wound of the mesentery.
Hemoperitoneum.

Oth~r Acute Inflicted Injuries Suffered at or about the Time
of oeath:

(1)
(2)

Multiple contusions and abrasions.
(See body diagram.)
Contusions and abrasions of the vaginal vault consistent
with forced vaginal vault entry.

Dr.

Ste%y-,il?

 ·~

AME2-B8-92
(3)
o.

Diffuse subgaleal contusion.

Other Pathologic Findings:
(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)

Pulmonary congestion and edema.
Cardiomegaly, mild.
Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, multiple vessel, mild.
Atherosclerosis of the aorta, mild.
Calcific aortic stenosis, mild.
Hepatomegaly.
Acute hepatic congestion.
Cholelithiasis.
Acute splenic congestion, mild.
Acute renal congestion, bilateral.

16.

MANNER OF DEATH:

Homicide.

17.

DISCUSSION OF THE CASE:
The decedent was noted to have received n1ultiple contusions and
abrasions as described in the body diagram.
In addition, the
decedent received two lethal stab wounds to the left chest wall
resulting in extensive hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity
secondary to stab wounds of the spleen (2) and the left kidney.
In addition, the presence of contusions and abrasions of the
vaginal vault give evidence of forced entry into the vaginal
vault. No tears are identified to involve the rectum or anus, and
documentation of possible foreign penetration of the anal canal
cannot be ascertained with certainty.
subsequent re-examination of the remains with alternate light
source imaging after exhumation is conducted at the Rankin County
Morgue in the presence of the prosector. The findings of the
exhumation will be included under a report submitted by
or. Michael West, Deputy Coroner Medical Exanliner/lnvestigator of
Forrest County.

Dr. st

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MEDICAL
EXAMINER