Search evidence analysis
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MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY |
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REPORT DATE: February 14 Andrew Needham, FTEE |
Analysis: Chemical Analysis; Toxicologic Analysis |
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Case #: 000681 |
Case Description: Diane Coates Homicide Investigation |
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Investigative Agency: Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department |
Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy, Det. T. Armstrong |
Summary of Preliminary Evidence Analysis
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Standard chemical screening was performed on all evidence. With the possibility of Coumadin as a contributing factor in the cause of death, more extensive tests were performed.
Detection and quantitation were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with a diode array detector (HPLC-MS/DAD) in addition to infrared spectrometry (IR). Suspect samples were washed or macerated with methanol, and the resulting extract was allowed to dry. The residue was re-dissolved in 10% aqueous methanol and injected into the HPLC. Liquid samples were subjected to organic and solid phase (C18) extraction and the resulting evaporated residue re-dissolved in 10% aq. MeOH prior to HPLC analysis.
Pharmaceutical grade Coumadin was obtained as a reference standard.
FINDINGS:
| Evidence Item | General Chemical Screening | Coumadin Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Collected at Autopsy | ||
| stomach contents - 6cc red liquid[1] | Negative | Positive (16ug/mg) |
| [1] Preliminary analysis of stomach contents found the presence of ethyl alcohol in the red liquid. Further analysis to identify the red liquid and/or its components is pending. | ||
| Collected from the Landon Talley Residence | ||
| 000681-11: One (1) Walgreens® aspirin, 50-count, unopened | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-12: One (1) Walgreens® aspirin, 50-count, 36 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-13: One (1) prescription medication bottle, 4 tablets remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-15: One (1) prescription medication bottle, containing 2 white tablets[2] | Negative | Negative |
| [2] Preliminary analysis of tablets indicate they are consistent with aspirin. | ||
| 000681-16: One (1) 750 ml Roses® grenadine, ~3/4 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-17: One (1) 750 ml bottle Grey Goose® vodka, ~1/3 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-18: One (1) 750 ml bottle Tanqueray No. 10® gin, ~1/2 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-19: One (1) 750 ml Jacques Prieur Clos de Vougeot® merlot, ~1/2 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-20: One (1) 64 oz bottle Northland® cranberry juice, ~1/4 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-21: One (1) box cutter razor | Negative | Positive (132ug) |
| 000681-22: One (1) Goody's® headache powder packet, empty | Negative | Negative |
| Collected from the Rupert Coates Residence | ||
| 000681-23: One (1) Walgreens® aspirin, 50-count, 42 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-24: One (1) Goody's® headache powder packet, unopened | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-25: One (1) prescription medication bottle, empty | Negative | Trace (8.3ng) |
| 000681-26: One (1) stone mortar | Negative | Positive (33ug) |
| 000681-27: One (1) stone pestle | Negative | Positive (81ug) |
| 000681-28: One (1) 750 ml bottle Gruppo® Campari, opened, ~1/4 remaining | Negative | Positive (133ug/ml) |
| 000681-29: One (1) 750 ml bottle Absolut® Vodka, opened, ~1/2 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-30: One (1) 750 ml bottle Turning Leaf® Merlot, opened, ~2/3 remaining | Negative | Negative |
| 000681-32: One (1) prescription medication bottle, empty | Negative | Trace (10.2ng) |
| 000681-33: One (1) box cutter razor with white residue | Negative | Positive (132ug) |
| 000681-34: One (1) Goody's® headache powder packet, empty | Negative | Negative |
