North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

3025 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-3025
Telephone 919-743-9000
Fax 919-743-9099
REPORT OF AUTOPSY EXAMINATION
DECEDENT
Document Identifier B201700949
Autopsy Type ME Autopsy
Name Kenneth Lee Bailey Jr
Age 24 yrs
Race Black
Sex M
AUTHORIZATION
Authorized By Craig Nelson MD Received From Durham
ENVIRONMENT
Date of Exam 02/16/2017 Time of Exam 09:33
Autopsy Facility Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Persons Present Ms. Nicola Litchfield
CERTIFICATION
Cause of Death

GUNSHOT WOUNDS OF THORAX AND RIGHT LOWER LEG

The facts stated herein are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Digitally signed by
Craig Nelson MD 20 April 2017 17:09
DIAGNOSES
I. Gunshot wounds of thorax and right lower leg.
A. Penetrating gunshot wound of thorax.
1. Entrance: left side of upper back without soot or stippling.
2. Bullet lodgement: right anterior deltoid muscle.
3. Large-caliber, hollow-point bullet recovered.
4. Path: perforation of left lung, pericardial sac, pulmonic trunk
and aorta, and right lung.
5. Direction: rightward, upward, and frontward.
B. Perforating gunshot wound of right lower leg.
1. Entrance: anteromedial right lower leg without soot or stippling.
2. Exit: lateral right lower leg.
3. Small bullet fragment recovered.
4. Path: fractures of right tibia and fibula.
5. Direction: rightward, downward, and slightly frontward.

II. Evidence of remote gunshot wounds.

A. Small-caliber bullet recovered from fibrous capsule of left hip.
B. Small-caliber bullet recovered from fibrous capsule of right lower
back subcutaneous tissues.
C. Abdominal surgical scar, peritoneal adhesions, and anastomosis/
partial resection of proximal colon; scarring of right kidney.

III. Focal left anterior descending coronary artery atherosclerosis, mild.

IDENTIFICATION
Body Identified By
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Papers/ID Tag

EXTERNAL DESCRIPTION
Length 68 inches
Weight 171 pounds
Body Condition Intact

The body is received in a white body bag closed with tamper-evident plastic lock with a handwritten label "2017-00435"
with the decedent's name and date of birth (08/25/1992) and "S/AM. Bennett"). A similar tag with the same labeling is
on the left wrist. On an outer, black body bag is a tag bearing the decedent's name.

While no evidence of medical therapy is present, the decedent's shirts have been cut. (See below.)

Clothes and items on body:

1. Two pink and purple shoes.
2. Gray and white socks.
3. Black denim jeans with a black, leather-like belt with a gray metal buckle.
4. Orange athletic shorts.
5. Blue and red striped boxer briefs.
6. Black, zippered, hooded sweatshirt with a multi-colored print design. In the left axillary region are two round,
ragged defects measuring 3/8" in diameter. No gunpowder is seen around these defects.
7. Cut black T-shirt. A single round, ragged defect is in the left axilla and measures approximately 3/8" in
diameter.
8. Cut white tank top. In the left axilla is a nearly round, ragged defect measuring approximately 1/2" in greatest
dimension.
9. On the right wrist is one bracelet of a pair of hinged handcuffs.
10. On the right wrist is a tan rubber band.
11. On the right ankle is an electronic monitoring bracelet. During the course of the autopsy, the ankle monitor is
removed and transferred to personnel from Durham Pretrial Services.

The body is that of a normally-developed, well-nourished, medium-complexioned male appearing consistent with the
listed age. The length is 68" and the weight is 171 lbs as received. The body is cold, well-preserved, and has not been
embalmed. Rigidity is fully developed in the jaw and extremities. Lividity is pink-purple, blanching, and in a posterior
distribution.

The scalp is covered with curly, brown-black hair measuring up to 1/2" on the top of the head. A thin mustache and
beard measure up to 1/4" in length and there is stubble on the rest of the face. The ears are normally formed and
without drainage. No piercings are apparent. The irides are light brown, the corneas cloudy, and the bulbar and
palpebral conjunctivae free of petechiae. The sclerae are white. The nose is intact and drains blood and vomitus. The
nares are patent. The lips are normally formed. The teeth are natural and in good condition. The superior and inferior
frenula are intact. The mouth is filled with vomitus. No oral mucosal injuries are seen. The neck is normally formed,
symmetrical, and without external evidence of injury.

The chest is normally formed, symmetrical, and without palpable masses. The abdomen is flat, soft, and without
palpable masses. The external genitalia are those of an adult male and are atraumatic. A few condylomata are on the
scrotum. The back is straight and symmetrical. The anus is atraumatic.

The arms are normally formed. No needle punctures, track marks, or ventral wrist scars are seen. When examined prior
to washing, the hands are seen to have no soot or stippling. The fingernails have overhangs of up to 1/4" and are slightly
dirty. The legs are normally formed and without edema, amputation, or deformity. The toenails are trimmed short and
are clean.

Body markings: On the right side of the neck is a black tattoo of indecipherable writing with a dollar sign. On the upper
chest is a black tattoo "Cant Knock Da Hustle". On the right side of the chest is a black tattoo of a baby holding money
and "Born Hustler". On the left side of the chest is a black tattoo of a bag of money and "Trap or Die". On the right
upper arm is a black tattoo of a gravestone and "In Loving Memory Lucy T. Lyons Bullock". On the anterior aspect of

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the right forearm is a black tattoo "NOV 8, 2008 R.I.P. Remi Feb 8." On the anterior aspect of the right wrist is a black
tattoo that includes "Kayden". On the medial aspect of the right forearm is a black tattoo, "Bull City Bound". On the
anterior aspect of the left forearm is a black tattoo of a cross, praying hands, a banner, and writing. On the medial
aspect of the left forearm is a black tattoo, "Green $t Finest".

On the mid back are two vertically oriented, curvilinear, hypopigmented scars measuring 5 1/2" and 6 1/4" in length.
On the right flank is a 1 1/4 x 3/8", irregular, hyperpigmented scar. On the dorsum of the left forearm is a 2", linear,
hyperpigmented scar. On the anterior left thigh is a 3/4", curvilinear, hyperpigmented scar. On the lateral left thigh is a
1/2 x 1/4", elliptical, hyperpigmented scar. The knees have irregular, nonspecific, hyper and hypopigmented scars. On
the posterior aspect of the right shoulder is a 1 1/4 x 1", elliptical, raised, hyperpigmented scar. On the abdomen is a 10
1/4", curvilinear, hyper and hypopigmented scar with suture or staple marks. On the medial aspect of the left thigh is a 1
x 3/4", elliptical, hyperpigmented scar. On the medial aspect of the right lower leg is a 1 1/4 x 3/4", elliptical,
hyperpigmented scar. On the right shin is a 2 1/2 x 3/4", teardrop-shaped, hyperpigmented scar. On the dorsum of the
right foot are two irregular, hyperpigmented scars measuring 1 3/4 x 1" and 3/4 x 5/8".

INJURIES

GUNSHOT WOUNDS

PENETRATING GUNSHOT WOUND OF THORAX

ENTRANCE: A gunshot entrance wound of the left side of the upper back is centered 17" below the top of the head and
7 3/4" left of midline. It is a 3/8 x 5/16" elliptical defect with a circumferential margin of abrasion measuring 1/8" in
span. The wound has slight drying, but no associated soot or stippling.

BULLET LODGEMENT: The bullet lodged in the right anterior deltoid muscle 15" below the top of the head and 8 1/2"
right of midline.

BULLET: Recovered is a deformed, hollow-point bullet with a gray-metal core and orange-metal jacket. It has seven
opened leaflets. Its round, intact base measures 7/16" in diameter. It has some tissue and what appears to be clothing
material embedded in the hollow point. The bullet is labeled as "Bullet, right arm" and retained as evidence.

PATH: The bullet perforated the left fifth intercostal space and fractured the left sixth rib. It sequentially perforated the
lower and upper lobes of the left lung, leaving a hemorrhagic, pulpified wound track, and perforated the left side of the
superior portion of the pericardial sac. It nearly transected the pulmonic trunk and perforated the ascending aorta,
leaving a 1", linear defect on the left side and a 3/4", jagged defect on the right side of the aortic arch. It perforated the
right side of the pericardial sac and perforated the anteromedial portion of the upper lobe of the right lung, leaving a
hemorrhagic, pulpified wound track. It perforated the right second intercostal space and the adjacent musculature to its
site of lodgement.

In association with the bullet's passage, each pleural cavity contains approximately 850mL, and the pericardial sac
contains approximately 25 mL of liquid and clotted blood.

DIRECTION, THORAX: The direction of the bullet's travel was rightward, upward, and frontward.

PERFORATING GUNSHOT WOUND OF RIGHT LOWER LEG

ENTRANCE: A gunshot entrance wound of the anteromedial aspect of the right lower leg is centered 53 1/4" below the
top of the head. It is a 1/2 x 5/16" elliptical defect flanked by, from 12 o'clock to 4 o'clock, a roughly triangular border of
abrasion measuring up to 1/4" at its maximum span at 2 o'clock. The wound has no associated soot or stippling.

EXIT: A gunshot exit wound of the lateral aspect of the right lower leg is centered 54 1/4" below the top of the head. It is
a 3/4 x 3/4", somewhat U-shaped defect with a central 1/2 x 5/16" skin tag. The inferior edge has a flanking 5/8 x 1/8"
irregular border of abrasion. The wound has no associated soot or stippling.

FRAGMENT: Recovered from the anteromedial aspect of the right tibia is a deformed bullet fragment. It is orange
metal on one side and gray metal on the other, and measures 5/16 x 1/4 x 1/8". It is labeled as "Fragment, leg" and
retained as evidence.

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PATH: The bullet fractured the right tibia and fibula.

DIRECTION: The direction of the bullet's travel was rightward, downward, and slightly frontward.

RETAINED BULLETS (REMOTE GUNSHOT WOUNDS)

BULLET, BACK: Recovered from the subcutaneous tissues of the right side of the lower back 26" below the top of the
head and 4 1/2" right of midline, encased in fibrous tissue, is a minimally deformed, gray-metal bullet. It measures 1/2"
in height and its relatively round, intact base measures 3/16 x 1/4". It is labeled as "Bullet, back" and retained as
evidence. The site of the original entrance wound cannot be determined.

BULLET, LEFT HIP: Lodged in a tendon of one of the quadriceps muscles just inferior to the left anterior iliac crest,
centered 34" below the top of the head and 4 3/4" left of midline within a fibrous tissue capsule, is a minimally
deformed, gray-metal, small-caliber bullet. It measures 1/2" from tip to base and its round, intact base measures 1/4" in
diameter. It is labeled as "Bullet, left hip" and retained as evidence. The site of the original entrance wound cannot be
determined.

OTHER INJURIES
On the anterior aspect of the left forearm is a 2 1/2" x 3/4" irregular, superficial, pink and red abrasion. On the left shin
is a 1 x 7/8", irregular, yellow-green and pink-brown contusion. On the anterior aspect of the left ankle is a 1/2 x 5/16",
irregular, superficial, dried, red-orange abrasion.

DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL EFFECTS AND EVIDENCE

The following items are released with the body
None.
The following items are preserved as evidence
Ankle monitor, released to Durham Pretrial Services; all other items (pulled hair; blood card, clothes (including rubber
band); handcuffs; and bullets and fragment as described) released to NCSBI. See EVIDENCE INVENTORY AND
DISPOSITION sheets.

PROCEDURES
Radiographs
Postmortem radiographs are taken.

INTERNAL EXAMINATION
Body Cavities
The abdominal fat layer measures up to 2 cm in thickness. The pericardial sac and pleural cavities have hemorrhage as
previously described. The peritoneal cavity has no hemorrhage or abnormal fluid. The peritoneal cavity has scattered
fibrous adhesions in association with prior surgery. The ileocecal region of the small and large intestines appears to
have been resected; there are sutures and the proximal colon appears to have a side-by-side anastomosis. The lines of
anastomosis are intact. The pericardial sac and pleural cavities have smooth, glistening serosal surfaces without
adhesions. The organs are normally located. The diaphragm is intact.
Cardiovascular System
Heart Weight 290 grams
As previously described, there are gunshot defects of the great vessels, though the heart itself is intact. The heart has a
normal shape with a smooth, glistening epicardium. The coronary arteries have a normal origin and distribution. The
mid portion of the left anterior descending coronary artery has focal, noncalcified atherosclerotic stenosis of
approximately 20%. The left circumflex and right coronary arteries are widely patent and free of stenosis.

The myocardium is red-brown, firm, and uniform without focal fibrosis, softening, or hyperemia. The ventricles are not
dilated. The thicknesses of the right ventricle, left ventricle, and interventricular septum are 0.3 cm, 1.2 cm, and 1.3 cm,
respectively.

The endocardium is intact, smooth, and glistening. The cardiac valve leaflets are of normal number, pliable, intact, and
free of vegetations. The atrial and ventricular septa are free of defects.

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The aorta follows its usual course, has a defect as noted, and has minimal atherosclerotic changes. There are no vascular
anomalies or aneurysms. The venae cavae and pulmonary arteries are without thrombus or embolus.
Respiratory System
Right Lung Weight 190 grams
Left Lung Weight 200 grams
The tongue, strap muscles, and other anterior neck soft tissues are free of hemorrhage. The hyoid bone and
cartilaginous structures of the larynx and trachea are normally formed and without fracture. The airway is
unobstructed, lined by smooth, tan mucosa. The prevertebral soft tissues are free of hemorrhage. The cervical vertebrae
have no displacement, hypermobility, or crepitus.

The lungs have gunshot defects as noted. They have the usual lobation; the pleurae are smooth and glistening with
minimal anthracotic pigment. The lungs are somewhat atelectatic in association with the injuries and hemothoraces.
The parenchyma is pink-tan and exudes no fluid on sectioning. The lungs have no consolidation, infarct, tumor, gross
fibrosis, or enlargement of air spaces. In the lower lobes of each lung are some patchy areas of hyperemia with a pattern
of blood aspiration.
Gastrointestinal System
The esophagus and gastroesophageal junction are unremarkable. The stomach contains approximately 50 mL of thick,
tan chyme with masticated fragments of unrecognizable food, but no visible pills or pill residue. The gastric and
duodenal mucosae are intact and unremarkable. The small and large intestines are unremarkable to inspection and
palpation other than the previously noted resected area.
Liver
Liver Weight 960 grams
The capsule is focally dull and rough in association with the aforementioned adhesions. The parenchyma is red-brown
and uniform without mass, yellow discoloration, or palpable fibrosis. The gallbladder contains a trace amount of bile
and no stones. The mucosa is uniform, and the wall is not thickened.
Spleen
Spleen Weight 50 grams
The intact capsule is smooth. The parenchyma is maroon, firm, and uniform. Additionally, there is a 1.2 cm in diameter,
unremarkable accessory spleen.
Pancreas
The pancreas has the normal size, shape, and lobulated architecture. The parenchyma is tan and uniform.
Urinary
Right Kidney Weight 110 grams
Left Kidney Weight 120 grams
The kidneys have a normal position. The inferior pole of the right kidney is scarred and strongly adhered to its capsule.
The cortical surfaces are otherwise smooth. The kidneys have the usual corticomedullary structure without tumors or
cysts. The pelves and ureters are not dilated or thickened. The bladder contains approximately 10 mL of clear, yellow
urine. The mucosa is uniform, and the wall is not hypertrophied.
Reproductive
The prostate gland is of average size and grossly unremarkable.
Endocrine
The thyroid gland is not enlarged, and the lobes are symmetrical. The parenchyma is purple and uniform. The adrenal
glands have the normal size and shape. The cortices are thin, uniform, and yellow, and there is no hemorrhage or
tumor. The pituitary gland is not enlarged.
Neurologic
Brain Weight 1270 grams
The scalp is free of hemorrhage. The calvarium and base of the skull are normally configured and without fracture.
There is no epidural or subdural hemorrhage. The dura is intact.

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The leptomeninges are glistening and transparent without underlying hemorrhage, exudate, or cortical contusion. The
cerebral hemispheres are symmetrical with a normally developed gyral pattern. There is no flattening of the gyri,
narrowing of the sulci, or evidence of herniation. The arteries at the base of the brain have no atherosclerotic changes or
aneurysms.

Sections through the cerebral hemispheres show a normally developed cortical ribbon and uniform white matter. The
basal ganglia, thalami, hippocampi, and other internal structures are normally formed and without focal change. The
ventricles are not enlarged, and the linings are smooth and glistening. Sections of the brainstem and cerebellum show
normal structures without focal change.
Immunologic System
There is no enlargement of the lymph nodes of the neck, chest, or abdomen. The thymus has an appropriate size for the
decedent's age and has a tan parenchyma.
Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system is well-developed and free of deformity. There are no fractures of the clavicles, sternum,
ribs, vertebrae, or pelvis. The skeletal muscle is dark red and firm.

MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
Microscopic Comment
Representative sections of organs and tissues are retained. One section each of heart, right lung, liver, and right kidney
is processed to the level of block only.

SUMMARY AND INTERPRETATION

According to the case call, Durham County emergency medical services records, and law enforcement present at
autopsy, on the afternoon of 2/15/17, this 24-year-old man was shot by Durham Police Department officers serving a
search warrant. After the shooting, officers initiated resuscitative efforts, which were assumed by arriving medics.
However, death was pronounced at the scene.

The autopsy documented two gunshot wounds: a penetrating gunshot wound of the thorax and a perforating gunshot
wound of the right lower leg. On the thorax, the entrance wound was on the left side of the upper back and had no
associated soot or stippling. The bullet sequentially perforated the left lung, pericardial sac, pulmonic trunk and aorta,
and right lung, then lodged in the musculature of the right shoulder, where the large caliber, hollow-point bullet was
recovered. On the right lower leg, the entrance wound was on the anteromedial aspect and had no associated soot or
stippling. The bullet perforated and fractured the right tibia and fibula, and exited the lateral aspect of the leg. A small
bullet fragment was recovered from the wound track.

Additionally, he had two retained, small-caliber bullets from prior gunshot wounds as well as evidence of abdominal
surgery, which may have been in association with one or more of those wounds. Natural disease documented at autopsy
included focal, mild left anterior descending coronary artery atherosclerosis. Toxicological testing detected no alcohol
or common drugs of abuse.

Based on the autopsy findings and circumstances surrounding the death, as currently understood, the cause of death is
listed as gunshot wounds of thorax and right lower leg. The manner of death is classified as homicide.

DIAGRAMS
1. Adult MALE autopsy diagram

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