Check Traffic

Check Traffic
Live Cameras, Conditions

°

Homepage / Houston News
Text Size

Exclusive: Medical Examiner Stands By Suicide Ruling

Questions Remain Surrounding Investigation

POSTED: Thursday, April 11, 2002
UPDATED: 5:38 pm CDT April 11, 2002

Questions have been raised regarding how the investigation into a former Enron executive's death was conducted.

Video

But the Harris County medical examiner stands by her ruling, telling News2Houston in an exclusive report that John Clifford Baxter definitely committed suicide.

"We are extremely confident about the ruling," Dr. Joye Carter said. "It wasn't made glibly and it wasn't made in just in two seconds. It was a thorough examination of the body."

Carter performed the autopsy on Baxter's body.

She said she heard rumors and reports that Baxter may have been murdered, as well as allegations that the Sugar Land Police Department did not conduct its investigation properly.

She said that made no difference in her ruling.

"There have been a lot of whispers about this conspiracy from people who are pretty much playing the Monday morning quarterback position," Carter said.

Carter acknowledged that officers could have performed some procedures better.

Carter's autopsy report and a police report show why questions have been raised about the case, including the following.
  • Mysterious abrasion on Baxter's left hand
  • Baxter's hands weren't bagged to preserve gun powder residue
  • The gun and other evidence were moved by officers before crime scene photographs were taken
  • Baxter's body was apparently moved because blood was found outside his car
  • Baxter's body was initially taken to a funeral home because an autopsy had not yet been ordered
  • Allegations that police officers communicated poorly with Carter's office

"We were able to get the information necessary to make the ruling and the body told the story," Carter said.

The case underscores the need for proper police procedure, according to crime scene experts.

"It's all about the evidence and the handling of that evidence. If it's not handled properly, if it's not right, it's always going to raise questions," said Don Clark, the former director of the Houston branch of the FBI, who is a crime consultant to News2Houston.

Sugar Land police would not comment on the case, the note or the investigation.

Investigators said they expect to close the case early next week and they may make a comment then, according to News2Houston.
Links We Like
Sponsored Content
To get the most out of your remodel, check out these 10 home updates that have the biggest payoffs when it comes time to sell your home. More

Learn the top five signs of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

Ever wonder which cars people are buying the most? Find out here as we count down America’s top 20 sellers. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

    • Pastor Accused Of Sex Assault

      Darrell Dean DunnA pastor from Crosby is accused of sexually abusing two boys who attended his church's school, KPRC Local 2 reports.

    • Captain: Help Solve Daughter's Killing

      Selestino TorresA Houston Fire Department captain asked for the public's help finding the man suspected of killing his daughter, KPRC Local 2 reports.

    • 1,400 Arrested In South Texas

      U.S. marshals and police arrest more than 1,400 fugitives and cleared 1,654 warrants during a monthlong cooperative between federal, state, and local law enforcement in South Texas.

    • Pelosi Shuts Down Jackson Resolution

      House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shuts the door to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise "contrary views" about the pop star's life.

    • Oklahoma Baby Born At 12:34:56, 7/8/09

      A baby boy comes into the world on a rare, twice-a-century alignment -- 12:34:56 on 07/08/09.

  • VideosClick to Expand

    • Man Lies About Military Heroics

      July 9, 2009: A Houston man's military heroics were fabricated. Alana Gomez Dong reports.

    • Houston Nets 1,000+ Fugitives

      July 9, 2009: Operation Falcon rounds up more than 3,500 fugitives across the nation. Joel Eisenbaum reports.

    • Local 2 Investigates: Inside Bar Raid

      July 8, 2009: A bar that's had its liquor license pulled and where police have looked for sex trafficking victims is raided, KPRC Local 2 Investigates reports.

    • Pastor Accused Of Fondling Students

      Darrell Dean DunnJuly 9, 2009: A pastor from Crosby has been accused of sexually abusing two boys who attended his church's school. Phil Archer reports.

    • Man Makes Patriotism His Mission

      July 4, 2009: While the focus of the Fourth of July is usually on barbecue and fireworks, one local veteran wants to make sure we pay tribute to the true patriots who have served our country. Alana Gomez Dong reports.

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand