Fact Vs Fiction
The cause and manner of death are statements of opinion based on evidence found during the entire death investigation. The medical examiners are professionally qualified and trained to evaluate all relevant information from medical history, circumstances, witness statements, autopsy and subsequent analyses to determine cause and manner of death.
Even the simplest homicide is rarely solved in 48 hours. The investigating law enforcement agency works with the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner to piece the case together, assessing the scene, evidence, suspects, witnesses, next-of-kin, etc. The medical examiner performs the autopsy after the body is brought to the office. In some cases, toxicology specimens and other evidence is collected and then analyzed before the cause and manner of death are determined. The law enforcement agency continues its investigation to determine and then ultimately capture any suspect(s). This process can range from days to weeks to months.
Water intoxication can occur. By drinking too much water, one can develop hyponatremia, the dilution of blood. The excess water ends up in cells, causing them to swell up. This becomes a problem primarily in the brain, where there is limited space for cells to expand. Severe cases exhibit symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination and mental disorientation
Crime scene investigation and analysis requires a whole team of experts to collect and process evidence. Many times the collector of evidence is different from the analyst processing the evidence. The identification and pursuit of suspects are up to the law enforcement agency’s detectives and other officers.
Not all deaths require investigation and examination by the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME-C). In general, the ME-C investigates sudden, violent or unusual deaths and those deaths where the decedent has not been seen by a physician 20 days prior to death.