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

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Medical Examiner Confirms Ruling

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.