BOARD OF MEDICOLEGAL INVESTIGATIONS

OFFICE USE ONLY

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER

Re

Eastern Division
1115 West 17th
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74107
(918) 295-3400 Fax (918) 585-1549

Central Office
901 N. Stonewall
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117
(405) 239-7141 Fax (405) 239-2430

Co

I hereby certify that this is a true

and correct copy of the original
document. Valid only when copy
bears imprint of the office seal.
By
Date

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION BY MEDICAL EXAMINER

DECEDENT First-Middle-Last Names (Please avoid use of initials)

Age

DARIUS

41

ROBINSON

Birth Date
11/26/1974

Race

Sex

BLACK

HOME ADDRESS - No. - Street, City, State

2100 NE 19TH, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
DATE

EXAMINER NOTIFIED BY - NAME - TITLE (AGENCY, INSTITUTION, OR ADDRESS)

CARL LAFOON, PHYSICIANS HOSPITAL ER

INJURED OR BECAME ILL AT (ADDRESS)

CITY

CADDO COUNTY JAIL

LOCATION OF DEATH

CITY

PHYSICIANS HOSPITAL

TYPE OF VEHICLE:

DRIVER

AUTOMOBILE

DESCRIPTION OF BODY

PASSENGER
LIGHT TRUCK

RIGOR

04/04/2016

TYPE OF PREMISES

OKLAHOMA

Unknown
TIME

DATE

ER

COUNTY

23:19
TIME

04/04/2016

TYPE OF PREMISES

CADDO

OKLAHOMA CITY

DATE

JAIL

COUNTY

CITY

901 N STONEWALL

TYPE OF PREMISES

CADDO

ANADARKO

BODY VIEWED BY MEDICAL EXAMINER

EXTERNAL
PHYSICAL
EXAMINATION

COUNTY

ANADARKO

IF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT:

TIME

04/04/2016

DATE

AUTOPSY LAB

22:50
TIME

04/05/2016

13:00

PEDESTRIAN
HEAVY TRUCK

BICYCLE

MOTORCYCLE

OTHER:

NOSE

EXTERNAL OBSERVATION

LIVOR

Jaw

Complete

Neck
Arms

Absent

Color
Lateral

Beard

Hair

BLOOD

Eyes: Color

Mustache

Passing

Posterior

OTHER

Legs

Passed

Anterior

Pupils:

Decomposed

Regional

Body Length

MOUTH

EARS

Opacities
R

L
Body Weight

Significant observations and injury documentations - (Please use space below)

SEE AUTOPSY PROTOCOL

Probable Cause of Death:

ASPHYXIATION
Due To: MANUAL COMPRESSION OF NECK

Manner of Death:
Natural

Accident

Suicide

Homicide

Unknown

Pending

Case disposition:
Autopsy

YES

Authorized by

CLAY NICHOLS M.D.

Pathologist

CLAY NICHOLS M.D.

Not a medical examiner case

Other Significant Medical Conditions:

MEDICAL EXAMINER:
Name, Address and Telephone No.

CLAY NICHOLS M.D.

I hereby state that, after receiving notice of the death described herein, I
conducted an investigation as to the cause and manner of death, as required by
law, and that the facts contained herein regarding such death are true and correct
to the best of my knowledge.
06/17/2016

901 N STONEWALL AVE

Date Signed

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73117

Signature of Medical Examiner
Computer generated report
CME-1 (REV 7-98)

CLAY NICHOLS M.D.

1601666

04/05/2016
Date Generated

CERTIFICATION

Board of Medicolegal Investigations

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

901 N. Stonewall
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117
(405) 239-7141 Voice
(405) 239-2430 Fax

I hereby certify that this document is a

true and correct copy of the original
document. Valid only when copy
bears imprint of the office seal.
By____________________________
Date__________________________

REPORT OF AUTOPSY
Decedent

Age

Birth Date

DARIUS ROBINSON

41

11/26/1974 BL

Race

Type of Death

Means

Sex

Case No

1601666

ID By

Toe tag

While in penal incarceration

Authority for Autopsy

CLAY NICHOLS, M.D.

Present at Autopsy

Mike Nelson

FINDINGS
I. Asphyxiation due to manual neck compression with:
A. Fractured hyoid, right wing with surrounding hemorrhage
B. Focal hemorrhage on bilateral strap muscles
C. Possible petechial hemorrhage of the left eye
II. Fracture of right rib 5, left ribs 4 and 5 and sternum due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
III. Old bullet recovered from right upper arm
IV. Two circular scars right upper arm
V. Healing parallel, linear abrasions around right wrist consistent with handcuff abrasions
VI. Healing abrasions/contusion on back of right hand consistent with fingernail marks
VII. History of being pepper sprayed
VIII. Mild cardiomegaly

CAUSE OF DEATH:
DUE TO:

ASPHYXIATION
MANUAL COMPRESSION OF NECK

OSC:
MANNER OF DEATH:

HOMICIDE

The facts stated herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

OCME Central Division

CLAY NICHOLS, M.D.

Pathologist

Location of Autopsy

4/5/2016 1:00 PM
Date and Time of Autopsy

CASE NO.

1601666

External Description:
Received in a body bag is the body of a well-developed, well-nourished black male
appearing compatible with the stated age. The height is 72 inches and the weight is 167
pounds. The rigor is full and generalized. Purple lividity is posterior and fixed. The body is
identified by a toe tag on the left great toe. The head and face are normally formed. The
head hair is dark. A moustache and goatee are present. Graying stubble is also present.
The irides are brown and the pupils are equal at 0.2 inch each. A possible petechial
hemorrhage is in the left eye. The ears and nose are intact without evidence of trauma.
Bloody vomitus is around the mouth. The neck is free of masses. The chest, abdomen, and
posterior aspects are appropriately developed. Tattoos are on the upper mid back and
upper left back. The genitalia are those of a normal adult male. There is no evidence of
trauma to or discharge from the genitals or anus. Venereal warts are present. The upper
and lower extremities are appropriately developed. Two roughly rounded scars are present
over the right biceps; these measure up to 0.7 inch each. A tattoo is on the right shoulder,
right and left triceps.

Clothing:
The deceased is dressed in orange pants, white boxer briefs, and an orange shirt.

Evidence of Medical Intervention:

A nasogastric and endotracheal tube are in place.

Pacing pads are on the right upper chest and left lower chest.
An intraosseous catheter is in the right shin.
An intravenous catheter is in the left antecubital fossa.

Evidence of Trauma:
Abrasions on the wrist consistent with handcuff abrasions are present. Also, on the back of
the right hand are multiple healing abrasions and a contusion consistent with fingernail
marks.
Upon reflecting the external skin flaps, bilateral neck hemorrhage is noted. In addition,
focal areas of hemorrhage are found adjacent to right rib #5, left ribs #s 4 and 5, and the
sternum secondary to fracture by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Upon dissecting of the
neck, focal areas of hemorrhage are identified around the deeper paratracheal muscles.
There is a fracture of the right wing of the thyroid. There is surrounding hemorrhage.
2

CASE NO.

1601666

Internal:
The descriptions below are exclusive of the Evidence of Trauma, section.
Body Cavities
The body is opened with the usual Y-shaped incision. The skin flaps are reflected and no
hemorrhage is found beneath the skin. The chest plate is removed. The pleural cavities,
pericardial sac and abdominal cavity are intact. Total body Lodox x-rays located an old
bullet in the right upper arm.
Cardiovascular System
Heart Weight: 420 grams
The great vessels arise and distribute normally. The epicardium is red-brown and firm. The
left anterior descending coronary artery is approximately 50% occluded by atherosclerotic
plaque. The ventricles are of appropriate size and thickness without evidence of old or
recent infarction. No thrombus is found within the atria, ventricles or appendages. The
valves are intact and lined by the usual number of unremarkable leaflets. The aorta and
vena cava are free of significant disease process.
Respiratory System
Right Lung Weight: 1100 grams
Left Lung Weight: 810 grams
The pleural surfaces are gray-tan and intact. On section, the red-brown surfaces are free of
consolidation or focal lesion. A pulmonary embolism is not identified.
Gastrointestinal System
The gastrointestinal tract is intact throughout. The stomach contains approximately 4 to 5
ounces of green-brown partially digested food. An appendix is present.
Liver
Liver Weight: 1980 grams
The capsule is intact. On section, the red-brown surfaces are free of cirrhosis or neoplasia.
The gallbladder is intact and otherwise unremarkable. No stone is identified.
Spleen
Spleen Weight: 180 grams
On section, the red-brown surfaces are unremarkable.
3

CASE NO.

1601666

Pancreas
The pancreas is of normal size and, on section, is unremarkable.
Urinary System
Right Kidney Weight: 210 grams
Left Kidney Weight: 220 grams
The capsules strip easily from the underlying red-brown, smooth cortical surfaces. On
section, the normal renal architecture is maintained throughout. The ureters are intact and
drain to a bladder containing approximately 30 ml of yellow urine. The bladder is
unremarkable.
Reproductive Systems
The prostate gland is of normal size and, on section, is unremarkable.
Endocrine System
The pituitary gland, thyroid gland and adrenal glands are of appropriate size and are
unremarkable.
Neurologic
Brain Weight: 1440 grams
There is no evidence of epidural, subdural or subarachnoid hemorrhage. The leptomeninges
are thin and delicate. The cerebral hemispheres are symmetrical and otherwise
unremarkable. The arteries at the base of the brain are intact without evidence of
significant atherosclerotic occlusion or aneurysm formation. On section, no lesion is
identified.
Integumentary System
The integumentary system is intact.
Immunologic System
There is no evidence of lymphadenopathy or significant residual thymus gland.
Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system is intact.

CASE NO.

1601666

Summary of Sections:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Left ventricle
Right lung, kidney and adrenal
Left lung, kidney and adrenal
Liver, spleen, pancreas and thyroid
Brain

Microscopic:
The slides were reviewed. Except for the findings noted below, the sample tissue shows
varying degrees of congestion and autolysis and is otherwise noncontributory.
Heart: A section of the left ventricle shows large myocardial cells with enlarged and
hyperchromatic nuclei. A fine fibrosis is in the background concentrated mainly around
blood vessels. A section of left anterior descending coronary artery confirms the presence
of a bridging component. Sections of right coronary artery and an additional section of the
left coronary artery from slide #1 confirm the presence of atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Liver: A section of the liver shows moderate steatosis mainly in the form of macrovesicular
fat. There is no evidence of cirrhosis or neoplasia.

Summary:
A complete autopsy was performed on the deceased identified as Darius Robinson on April
5, 2016. The deceased was a 41-year-old black male who presented to the local emergency
room via ambulance. Prior to being transported, the deceased was incarcerated in the
Caddo County Jail. There was a history given of unknown pill abuse. On April 4, 2016, the
deceased began acting violently and agitated in his cell. When the jail staff opened his cell
door to check on him, the decedent reportedly charged the staff. He was subdued,
handcuffed, and pepper spray was reportedly used. In addition, it was reported that a neck
hold was also used to restrain the deceased. While lying handcuffed and prone on the jail
floor, the deceased became unresponsive. There was a report of white foam coming from
his mouth. Death was declared at the emergency room.
At autopsy, significant findings include the presence of a fractured hyoid bone with
surrounding hemorrhage. Focal hemorrhage was identified on the deeper muscles of the
neck. In addition, hemorrhage was identified beneath the skin flap forming the neck flap.
Handcuff abrasions were identified. Incidental CPR fractures were also present.
5

CASE NO.

1601666

Summary (contd):
Histologic evaluation revealed hypertensive heart disease, coronary artery disease, and a
bridging coronary artery. Hepatic steatosis was also present.
No blood ethanol was detected in a sample of heart blood. No significant substance was
identified on a screen performed on heart blood.
After review of the historic and autopsy findings contained herein, it is my opinion that the
deceased, Darius Robinson, died as the result of ASPHYXIATION SECONDARY TO MANUAL
COMPRESSION OF HIS NECK. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and a history of
recently being pepper sprayed are considered contributory.
The manner of death is HOMICIDE.

May 25, 2016

CAN/kg

CLAY NICHOLS, M.D.

OFFICE USE ONLY

BOARD OF MEDICOLEGAL INVESTIGATIONS

Re. _____ Co. _____

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER

I hereby certify that this is a true
and correct copy of the original
document. Valid only when copy
bear im-print by the office seal.

901 N.Stonewall
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117

REPORT OF LABORATORY ANALYSIS

By ______________________
Date ____________________

ME CASE NUMBER: 1601666

LABORATORY NUMBER: 161407

DECEDENT'S NAME:

DATE RECEIVED:

DARIUS ROBINSON

04/06/2016

MATERIAL SUBMITTED: BLOOD, VITREOUS, URINE, LIVER, BRAIN,

GASTRIC

HOLD STATUS: 1 YEAR

SUBMITTED BY:

MEDICAL EXAMINER:

MIKE NELSON

CLAY NICHOLS M.D.

NOTES:
ETHYL ALCOHOL:
Blood:

NEGATIVE (Heart)

Vitreous:
Other:
CARBON MONOXIDE
Blood:
TESTS PERFORMED:
ALKALINE DRUG SCREEN - (Heart Blood)
EIA - (Heart Blood) - Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Cocaine, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines
(The EIA panel does not detect Oxycodone, Methadone, Lorazepam or Clonazepam)

RESULTS:
NONE DETECTED

04/28/2016
DATE

Byron Curtis, Ph.D., F-ABFT, Chief Forensic Toxicologist