Cry for Me Read online

  The intruder finally stopped collecting her tears, capped the test tubes and placed them in a small black bag that reminded Karen of the bags doctors carried when doing house calls.

  The intruder leaned in once more and whispered in Karen’s right ear, “Thank you.” Karen was somewhat relieved now. She was beginning to believe the whack job would leave without hurting her any further. She had gotten another whiff of the odor she smelled before and it was a bit stronger now. She now knew what it was. It was same cologne that her boyfriend Adam wore, Chrome. She felt herself getting mad again. She always associated that smell with the good times in her life and now this sadistic asshole has ruined it. “Every time I smell Chrome it will bring me back to this night.” she thought.

  The intruder had left Karen’s sight. Karen was unable to see him now from where she sat. She could hear him rifling through his little black bag. “Good pack your shit and leave.” thought Karen. Karen could sense that the intruder was standing behind her. She could hear the intruder breathing behind her. The breaths were getting deeper and louder as the intruder’s respirations began to rapidly increase. She could feel the sensation of the intruders breath as the air brushed passed her neck.

  She could now smell a combination of Chrome and what smelled like stale cigarettes and coffee. This nauseated Karen. She just wanted him to leave. The intruder walked around the chair she had been placed in and appeared in front of her. The intruder leaned forward and cut the ropes that bound her to the chair and then returned to standing behind her. She once again could hear the intruder’s respirations increase, this time heavier then before. It reminded Karen of how a weight lifter breaths before lifting a heavy weight. Karen heard a sudden move from behind. She felt something soft wrap on around her neck and begin to clamp down very tightly. Karen was panicking inside. The intruder was strangling her from behind. The intruder, with one sudden powerful force, twisted the material being used to choke her in circles clamping the ligature around Karen’s throat with such force it instantly cut off her air supply.

  Karen could feel the blood pressure building in her head. The pressure in her head and face was intense. She could feel the pounding of her pulse in her eyes and hear it pounding away in her ear canals. At one point Karen felt as if something may burst due to the amount pressure that was building. She prayed something would burst so the pressure could be relieved. Soon Karen’s attention was diverted from the incredible pressure and was quickly focused on the panic feeling of not being able to breath. She tried to struggle but was unable to. She continued to try and fight against this. She needed air! That is all she could think of.

  Karen could feel her left leg beginning to move just a little. She tried again and concentrated as hard as she could and the left leg jumped a bit. The attacker saw this and clamped down even harder. Karen felt a sharp pain in her neck just below her chin. The pressure was even more intense. She felt herself getting light headed and felt as though she would soon vomit. Karen new she was dying. She gave up on fighting. She thought of Adam and about how he was going to react to this. She thought of her mom and her two sisters. She thought of her little nieces and how she was not going to see them grow up. She thought of who was going to find her and hoped it was the police or someone other than her family or Adam.

  She did not want them to see her this way. Soon Karen could feel her hearing starting to fade as well as her vision. Her eye sight began to close in from the sides and was slowly fading to black. She thought of her father who had passed away two years ago and was comforted by thought that she would see him soon. She reminisced of her and father and all the good times they had together.

  Karen’s vision was all but gone now. She could only see a small amount, like looking threw a short straw. She saw Mr. Jinks sitting at her feet rubbing his face on her legs. She was ready now. Everything went black and the pain was gone.

  The killer could see that Karen was not breathing anymore and released the grip around the ligature. Karen’s body slumped to the floor. “Thank you for the tears, dear.” said the killer out loud. The killer grabbed the little black bag and went into the kitchen and placed the bag on the kitchen table, reached down and picked up Karen’s half glass of beer and finished it. The killer then placed the glass in the dishwasher and started it. It was time to do something with the body and get out under the cover of darkness. The killer needed to get home and fast. The tears needed to be placed in the refrigerator as soon as possible.

  Chapter 6

  Detective Miller and Officer Keyes had spent the morning pouring over all of the evidence. They had formed several hypothesis and scenarios and began writing them down along with time frames on the huge dry erase board that hung in the conference room.

  It was 11:45am on Saturday. Miller was typically off on the weekends unless a case warranted working weekends and this one certainly did. “Well what do you say we knock off for lunch, Dan, my treat?”

  “I never turn down a free lunch!”, replied Dan.

  “You never turn down lunch period!” retorted Rick.

  Rick and Dan decided to go to The Weiner Wagon in town. They were known for their delicious food and Rick was especially fond of their deep fried cheese curds. They were at a table eating their lunch. Rick was having his favorite, a double cheeseburger with his favorite cheese curds and a vanilla shake. Dan had opted for the 2 hot dog special and fries.

  They were discussing Dan’s children and how they were getting so big. Dan had married his childhood sweetheart seven years ago. A year after they married Dan joined the police department. He was the proud father of a three year old girl and a one year old boy. Rick and Dan were not particularly close. They had been just casual friends and coworkers. But since Rick had been working with Dan on this case he felt the friendship beginning to strengthen.

  They had just finished eating and were getting ready to head back to the station when Rick’s phone rang. Rick looked at his cell and saw that it was Jim Schauer. Rick took the call and spoke to Jim briefly. Dan could notice the curiosity in Rick’s voice increase. Rick hung up with Jim and told Dan there was a change in plans. He explained that Jim had something important to show them that could not wait. Jim advised them to get to the Coroner’s office as soon as possible and would not elaborate any further. They hurried out of the restaurant and jumped into Rick’s squad car. Rick turned his lights and sirens on. He needed to get there fast. Jim said time was of the absolute essence. They raced down Rt. 31 headed south to a government center. Dan was excited. He felt like he was doing real investigative police work. His mind raced with what could be so important that they had to rush to the Coroner’s office. Must be a huge break in the case! Had to be!

  Detective Miller and Officer Keyes were walking down the hall leading to Jim’s office. Rick, once again, noticed the smell of stainless steel and death. He hated that smell. There was also the smell of body bags permeating the hallway. Rick found the smell slightly nauseating. He had just eaten lunch. He hopped what Jim had to show him was not going to cause his lunch to come up.

  They reached Jim’s office. Jim was seated at his desk reading a file. Rick knocked on the door frame as they walked in. Jim looked up from his desk and greeted both Miller and Keyes. Jim started to explain to Keyes that since his good buddy, Rick Miller had decided he needed a certain Deputy Coroner on his murder case that his vacation was cut short and he had to reschedule it. This subsequently placed him back on the “on- call” roster. He went on to explain that he had received a call from the Gilberts Police Department at approx. midnight. Gilberts P.D. had been dispatched to do a “well being check” at an address in their village. A boyfriend became worried when his girlfriend did not answer the phone when he tried to call her on his break. He went to her place after work, she did not answer the door, and her car was home. The boyfriend called the police. The police made a forced entry and found a female hanging from a belt in the closet.

  “How does that concern us”, asked Rick. />
  “Well it was not until I was bagging the body that I saw something that I found very strange. I got my ass back here and woke up the M.E. and told him he needed to be here first thing in the morning.” replied Jim.

  “What did you find? asked Dan.

  “A 32”x32” silk rag.” replied Jim.

  Rick’s heart dropped and felt as if it may have skipped a beat. “Could this be our killer?” thought Rick.

  “Rick, there is more.” said Jim. Jim grabbed a file on his desk and handed it to Rick. Rick opened the file and saw that it was an autopsy report. He hated reading autopsy reports. “Just read it, Rick.” said Jim knowing how much his friend hated reading these reports.

  Rick sat down in the chair and laid the file in his lap closed. He looked at the expression on Keyes face and could tell he was itching to hear what was in the file. Rick opened the file and began to read out load to Keyes reading each field and the information contained in it. They would learn the significance of the deceased to their case, together.

  The Office of the Kane County Coroner

  CORONER CASE NUMBER: CASE NUMBER:

  2014-0247 0143-2014

  DATE and HOUR AUTOPSY PERFORMED:

  7/20/14; 7:15am by

  Edward Martin M.D.

  719 Batavia Av. Bldg. A

  Geneva, IL.

  630-555-1243

  ASSISTANT:

  Steven Cohen M.D.

  NAME: AGE: SEX:

  Karen Ann Watterson 36 Female

  DATE of BIRTH: BODY IDENTIFIED BY:

  4/25/78 Adam Bosch (boyfriend)

  INVESTIGATIVE AGENCY:

  Gilberts Police Department

  EVIDENCE OF TREATMENT:

  N/A

  EXTERNAL EXAM:

  The autopsy is begun at 7:15 A.M. on July 20, 2015. The body is presented in a black body bag. The victim is wearing a white sleeveless turtleneck shirt and navy blue sweatpants. Jewelry included two smooth-textured silver hoop pierced earrings, 1-inch diameter, one in each ear, and one 1-inch wide silver expandable wristband on left wrist. A 1.5-inch wide tan belt with green stripes is cinched around the upper neck using the buckle. The opposite end of the belt is tied in a half-hitch knot, which was used to affix it to the crossbar in the closet where the body was found.

  The body is that of a normally developed white female measuring 67 inches and weighing 118 pounds, and appearing generally consistent with the stated age of thirty-six years. The body is cold and un-embalmed. Lividity is fixed in the distal portions of the limbs. The eyes are open. The irises are brown and corneas are cloudy. Petechial hemorrhaging is present in the conjuctival surfaces of the eyes. The pupils measure 0.3 cm. The hair is dark blonde with lighter blonde highlights, wavy, layered and approximately 11 inches in length at the longest point.

  Removal of the belt revealed a ligature mark (known throughout this report as Ligature A) on the neck below the mandible. Ligature A is approximately 1.5 inches wide and encircles the neck in the form of a "V" on the anterior of the neck and an inverted "V" on the posterior of the neck, consistent with hanging. Minor abrasions are present in the area of Ligature A. Lack of hemorrhage surrounding Ligature A indicates this injury to be post-mortem. A small puncture would was found in the ligature mark similar to that made by a hypodermic needle.

  Upon removal of the victim’s clothing, an odor of bleach was detected. Areas of the body were swabbed and submitted for detection of hypochlorite. Following removal of the shirt, a second ligature mark (known throughout this report as Ligature B) was observed on the victim’s neck. The mark is dark red ligature and encircles the neck, crossing the anterior midline of the neck just below the laryngeal promience. The width of the mark varies between 0.8 and 1cm and is horizontal in orientation. The skin of the anterior neck above and below the ligature mark shows petechial hemorrhaging. Ligature B is not consistent with the belt that caused Ligature A. The absence of abrasions associated with Ligature B, along with the variations in the width of the ligature mark, are consistent with a soft ligature, such as a length of fabric. No trace evidence was recovered from Ligature B that might assist in identification of the ligature used.

  The genitalia are that of an adult female and there is no evidence of injury. Pubic hair has been shaved in its entirety within six hours of death. Limbs are equal, symmetrically developed and show evidence of injury. There are ligature marks present on each wrist (known throughout this report as Ligature C) the mark is a dark red ligature and partially encircles the wrist. The width of the mark is approx. ¼”. Trace evidence was removed from the left wrist was found embedded in the tissues of the ligature mark. There are ligature marks found on each ankle. (Known throughout this report as Ligature D) These are nearly identical to Ligature C. No trace evidence was recovered from Ligature D that might assist in identification of the ligature used. The fingernails are medium length and fingernail beds are blue. There are no residual scars, markings or tattoos.

  INTERNAL EXAMINATION:

  HEAD--CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: Subsequent autopsy shows a broken hyoid bone. Hemorrhaging from Ligature B penetrates the skin and sub dermal tissues of the neck. The brain weighs 1,293 grams and within normal limits.

  SKELETAL SYSTEM: The hyoid bone is fractured.

  RESPIRATORY SYSTEM--THROAT STRUCTURES: The oral cavity shows no lesions. Petechial hemorrhaging is present in the mucosa of the lips and the interior of the mouth. Otherwise, the mucosa is intact and there are no injuries to the lips, teeth or gums.

  There is no obstruction of the airway. The mucosa of the epiglottis, glottis, piriform sinuses, trachea and major bronchi are anatomic. No injuries are seen and there are no mucosal lesions. The hyoid bone, the thyroid, and the cricoid cartilages are fractured.

  The lungs weigh: right, 353 grams; left 360 grams. The lungs are unremarkable.

  CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: The heart weighs 253 grams, and has a normal size and configuration. No evidence of atherosclerosis is present.

  GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM: The mucosa and wall of the esophagus are intact and gray-pink, without lesions or injuries. The gastric mucosa is intact and pink without injury. Approximately 100 ml of partially digested semisolid food is found in the stomach. The mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and rectum are intact.

  URINARY SYSTEM: The kidneys weigh: left, 115 grams; right, 113 grams. The kidneys are anatomic in size, shape and location and are without lesions.

  FEMALE GENITAL SYSTEM: The structures are within normal limits. Examination of the pelvic area indicates the victim had not given birth and was not pregnant at the time of death. There is evidence of recent sexual activity but no indications that the sexual contact was forcible. Vaginal fluid samples are removed for analysis.

  TOXICOLOGY: Sample of right pleural blood and bile are submitted for toxicological analysis. Stomach contents are saved.

  SEROLOGY: A sample of right pleural blood is submitted in the EDTA tube. Routine toxicological studies were ordered.

  LABORATORY DATA:

  Cerebrospinal fluid culture and sensitivity:

  Gram stain: Unremarkable

  Culture: No growth after 72 hours

  Cerebrospinal fluid bacterial antigens:

  Hemophilus influenza B: Negative

  Streptococcus pneumoniae: Negative

  N. Meningitides: Negative

  Neiserria meningitides B/E. Coli K1: Negative

  Drug Screen Results:

  Urine screen {Immunoassay} was NEGATIVE.

  Ethanol: 0 gm/dl, Blood (Heart)

  Isoquinoline: .715 mg/kg

  Martin A. Schmidt, Ph.D.

  Chief Toxicologist

  July 20, 2014

  EVIDENCE COLLECTED:

  1. One (1) white turtleneck sleeveless shirt, size Small.

  2. One (1) pair navy blue sweatpants, size Small.

  3. Two (2) silver hoop earrings.

  4. One (1) silver bracelet.

  5. Samples of Blood (type O+), Bile, and Tissue (heart, lu
ng, brain, kidney, liver, spleen).

  6. Fifteen (15) swabs from various body locations, to be tested for presence of hypochlorite.

  7. Eleven (11) autopsy photographs.

  8. One postmortem CT scan.

  9. One postmortem MRI.

  10. One (1) 32”x32” white piece of satin cloth

  11. Tiny fibers collected from Ligature C left wrist.

  12. Trace amounts of seminal fluid found in the vagina

  OPINION:

  Time of Death: Body temperature, rigor and livor mortis, and stomach contents approximate the time of death between 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. on 7/19/2014.

  Immediate Cause of Death: Asphyxia due to ligature strangulation (Ligature B). Ligature A is made post-mortem.

  Manner of Death: Homicide

  Remarks: Decedent originally presented to this office as suicide victim. Presence of the post-mortem ligature mark suggests that suicide in this case is highly improbable. Decedent was administered a dosage of Curare subsequently paralyzing all voluntary muscle control. Involuntary muscle control was still in effect GPD detectives were notified of this finding immediately upon conclusion of examination.

  //Edward Martin, M.D.

  Kane County Coroner's Office

  July, 20, 2014

  Rick looked through the photographs taken of the victim at the crime scene and passed them to Keyes. They both could not help but note how attractive the victim was and could not understand how anyone could snuff out the life of such a young beautiful person. Jim looked at Rick as he thumbed through the file. He could only imagine what was going through his head. “This is your perp” said Jim. Rick agreed.