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FINAL AUTOPSY REPORT

CASE# APS-JH-72-18

Name: DIANTE YARBER

Sex: Male
Race: African-American
Age: 26 years
Date of Birth: 11/23/1991
Date of Death: 04/05/2018
Date of Autopsy: 04/23/2018
Time of Autopsy: 06:00 a.m.
Place of Autopsy: Autopsy Post Services, 5134 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90032

FINAL ANATOMIC DIAGNOSES:

Multiple gunshot wounds.

No other intrinsic organ disease identified.

Status/post Coroner’s Autopsy.

John C. Hiserodt, M.D., Ph.D.

Pathologist
Electronic signature on file

Dearth Summary: Mr. Yarber died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. In particular, three
gunshot wounds penetrated the chest cavity and pierced the lungs. These three gunshot wounds were
fatal.
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DiAnte Yarber
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EXTERNAL EXAMINATION:

The body is that of a well-developed, well-nourished, young African-American male. The body is
identified by an ankle tag. The body has been previously autopsied by the Coroner. The body is not
embalmed. The height is approximately 72 inches (183 cm) and the weight is approximately 160 pounds.
There are no signs of decomposition. The body is cool to the touch. Pale, purple, fixed livor mortis is
present posteriorly, except in areas exposed to pressure, where it is absent.

The body is naked.

The head/face exhibit no trauma. The head is black and weaved into dreadlocks. The eye color is
dark brown. The sclera and conjunctiva are free of congestion. No petechial hemorrhages are seen. The
ears and external auditory canals are unremarkable. The pinnae of both ears are pierced. The teeth are
natural and in a good state of dental repair. The oral cavity and tongue are free of trauma. The lips are
unremarkable and show no evidence of trauma.

The neck is symmetrical and exhibits no evidence of trauma. There is no swelling present.

The shoulders are symmetrical and exhibit no trauma.

The chest and abdomen are free of trauma (except for GSW’s mentioned below). The chest has a
normal A-P diameter. The abdomen is flat. There is no fluid wave. No abdominal masses can be
palpated.

The back is symmetrical and unremarkable.

The extremities are symmetrical and show no evidence of traumatic injuries. Both hands and all
fingers are free of traumatic injuries.

The fingernails are clean and short. The toenails are clean and short. The skin of the lower legs
shows no brown discoloration or dystrophic changes. No edema is present in the ankles or lower legs.

Evidence of recent trauma (other than the GSW):

A 3 cm laceration is present in the right thenar eminence.
Multiple dicing-type lacerations and dot-like abrasions are present on the back of the left elbow
and (distal) posterior left upper arm area.

Evidence of recent medical/surgical treatment/organ procurement:

None.

Other identifying features:

A 5 cm scar is present on the back of the right hand.’
Multiple tattoos are present on the arms (bilaterally), chest and neck (see photos for details).

Evidence of Gunshot wounds (GSW): Please note: The numbering of the shotguns wounds is
completely random. The numbering of the wounds does not represent the actual sequence in which the
bullets hit the body during the real time event.

GSW #1:
SGW Entrance: A GSW entrance is present in the left anterior chest area, 29 cm from the top of the
head and 2 cm to the left of the midline. The entrance has an elongated downward boat-shaped pattern,
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DiAnte Yarber
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cm in length. The upper (bow) portion reveals an eccentric abrasion leading to a circular 1.0 cm tissue
defect (hole). Distal to this the tissue has a fishtail deformity. No soot or powder burns are present.

GSW Pathway: The bullet penetrates the skin and soft tissue of the anterior chest wall then enters the
upper chest cavity by fracturing the medial clavicle. The bullet then penetrates the upper lobe of the left
lung and exits the left upper lobe, posteriorly, passing through rib 10 posteriorly. A piece of bone is
present embedded in the lung tissue near the clavicle fracture.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of GSW #1 is front to back and downward.

GSW #2:
SGW Entrance: A GSW entrance is present in the right anterior mid-chest area, 39 cm from the top of
the head and 4 cm to the right of the midline. The entrance has a circular defect with a concentric 1 mm
rim of abrasion and a central 1 cm tissue defect (hole). No soot or powder stippling is present.

GSW Pathway: The bullet penetrates the skin and soft tissue of the anterior chest wall then enters the
upper chest cavity through the 2nd intercostal space, 6 cm to the right of the midline. The bullet then
penetrates the right lower lobe of the lung through-and-through, then exits the chest cavity by fracturing
rib #4 laterally.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of GSW #2 is front to back, slightly downward and slightly rightward.

GSW #3:
SGW Entrance: A GSW entrance is present in the left upper back area, 36 cm below the top of the head
and 8 cm to the right of the midline. The entrance consists of a 1 cm circular tissue defect with a 1 mm
rim of abrasion. No soot or powder stippling is present.

GSW Pathway: The bullet penetrates the skin and soft tissue of the mid-back, then penetrates the
posterior chest wall by fracturing rib 5 posteriorly. The bullet then penetrates the left upper lobe of the
lung, through-and-through. An exit is not identified.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of GSW #3 is essentially back to front.

GSW #4:
SGW Entrance and pathway: A GSW entrance is present in the right anterior forearm, 5 cm from the
right antecubital fossa (and 66 cm from the top of the head). The entrance consists of an elongated boat-
shaped lesion in which the bow of the boat reveals a beveled abrasion of the skin. The bullet then burrows
under the skin for a distance of approximately 4-5 cm and exits the skin, leaving a fishtail defect.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of the GSW cannot be determined in a freely mobile extremity.

GSW #5:
SGW Entrance and pathway: A GSW entrance is present in the left anterior forearm, 13 cm from the
left antecubital fossa (and 66 cm from the top of the head). The entrance consists of a roughly circular
tissue defect, 1.8 cm in diameter with a vague thin rim of abrasion. No soot of powder stippling is
present. The bullet penetrates the skin and soft tissue of the forearm for a distance of approximately 6 cm
then exits the skin 7 cm from the left antecubital fossa. The exit reveals and irregular tissue opening, 2.5
cm in diameter.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of the GSW in a freely mobile extremity cannot be determined.
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GSW #6:
SGW Entrance and pathway: A GSW entrance is present in the left posterior forearm, 17 cm from the
left elbow (and 68.5 cm from the top of the head). The entrance consists of a roughly circular tissue
defect, 2.8 cm in diameter with a vague thin rim of abrasion at the 10:00-2:00 o’clock position. The
bullet penetrates the skin and soft tissue of the posterior forearm for a distance of approximately 5.3 cm,
fracturing the ulna bone. The bullet then exits the skin, 20 cm distal to the elbow (and 72 cm from the top
of the head). The exit reveals an irregular, 2.7 cm opening with rough skin edges.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of the GSW in a freely mobile extremity cannot be determined.

GSW #7:
SGW Entrance and pathway: A GSW entrance is present on the medial aspect of the left posterior
upper arm, just proximal to the elbow (and 50 cm from the top of the head). The entrance consists of a
roughly circular tissue defect (hole), 2.9 cm in diameter. A rim of abrasion is not seen. No soot or
powder stippling is present. The bullet penetrates the skin and soft tissue of the upper arm, passing
through the upper arm. The bullet likely came to rest under the skin in the left anterior biceps area, where
a 4.5 cm elliptical area of skin and soft tissue was removed by the Coroner.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of the GSW in a freely mobile extremity cannot be determined.

GSW #8:
SGW Entrance and pathway: A GSW entrance is present on the lateral aspect of the left posterior
upper arm, just proximal to the elbow (and 50 cm from the top of the head). The entrance consists of a
roughly circular tissue defect (hole), 4.0 cm in diameter. A rim of abrasion is not seen. No soot or
powder stippling is present. The bullet penetrates the skin and soft tissue of the upper arm, passing
through the upper arm. The bullet likely came to rest under the skin in the left anterior biceps area, where
a 4.5 cm elliptical area of skin and soft tissue was removed by the Coroner.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of the GSW in a freely mobile extremity cannot be determined.

GSW #9:
SGW Entrance and pathway: A GSW entrance is present on the anterior aspect of the left upper arm
(biceps area), just proximal to the antecubital fossa (and 49 cm from the top of the head). The entrance
consists of a roughly circular tissue defect (hole), 3.0 cm in diameter. A rim of abrasion is not seen. No
soot or powder stippling is present. The bullet penetrates and burrows under the skin and soft tissue of the
upper arm where the burrow comes is contact with the area of tissue removed by the Coroner.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of the GSW in a freely mobile extremity cannot be determined.

GSW #10:
SGW Entrance and pathway: A GSW entrance is present on the anterior aspect of the left shoulder
area, 35.5 cm from the top of the head. The entrance consists of a roughly circular tissue defect (hole),
2.5 cm in diameter. A rim of abrasion is not seen. No soot or powder stippling is present. The bullet
penetrates the skin and soft tissue of the shoulder area, through-and-through, until it exits in the posterior
left upper arm. The exit consists of a stellate skin defect with rough, reducible skin edges.

GSW Trajectory: The trajectory of GSW #10 is front to back.

In addition to the GSW, described above, several areas of skin were removed by the Coroner. These
included multiple elliptical cut-outs in the upper back area, measuring 7.6 cm, 6.4 cm and 7.4 cm,
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respectively and a fourth cut-out in the right lateral mid-back area, measuring 3.4 cm with a medial deep
pocket tissue undermining.

INTERNAL EXAMINATION:

BODY CAVITIES:

The body is opened through the previous Y-shaped incision. The thoracic paniculus is 1.0 cm
thick and the abdominal paniculus is 1.5 cm thick. The muscles of the chest and abdominal wall are
normal in color and consistency. The pleural cavities are smooth and glistening. The abdominal and
pelvic cavities are also smooth and glistening. The organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavities are
present in a body bag where they are removed and examined ex-vivo.

NECK STRUCTURES:

The soft tissues of the anterior neck, thyroid and cricoid cartilage, larynx and hyoid bone show no
hemorrhage or evidence or traumatic injury. The larynx is patent and free of foreign material. It is coated
with bloody mucus. The epiglottis and vocal cords are free of swelling and traumatic injuries and are
otherwise unremarkable. The lower trachea and main bronchial bifurcations are coated with bloody
mucus.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM:

The remaining heart tissue weighs 300 grams. The epicardial fat is smooth and glistening. The
endocardium is smooth and glistening and shows no mural thrombi or fibrosis. The valve leaflets are
smooth and glistening and free of vegetations, fibrosis or prolapse. The valve measurements are within
normal limits. The trabeculae carne and papillary muscles are unremarkable. The chordae tendinae are
normal. The right ventricle is 0.3 cm in maximal thickness and the left ventricle is 1.2 cm in maximal
thickness. The interventricular septum is 1.4 cm in maximal thickness. The coronary ostia are
appropriately positioned and each measures approximately 3-4 mm in diameter. Multiple sections
through the left and right coronary arteries at 0.2 cm intervals show essentially no atherosclerotic deposits
or calcifications. No acute hemorrhage or thrombi are present. The myocardium is dark brown and
homogeneous throughout with no evidence of acute infarct or scars.

The aortic arch and distal aorta shows only mild focal fatty streaking throughout its course. All
major bifurcations are fully patent. There are no aneurysms.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM:

The remaining right lung weighs 300 grams and the remaining left lung weighs 175 grams. The
lung shows normal lobation. The pleural surfaces are smooth and glistening. Both lungs are mildy
congested with posterior hypostasis. Bullet pathway hemorrhage is present in the left upper lobe and right
right lower lobe, as described above. The parenchyma is otherwise, crepitant and fluffy. No areas of
pneumonia are present. There is no emphysema, granuloma or tumors. The extra and intrapulmonary
bronchi contain bloody mucus. The pulmonary arteries are free of fatty streaks and there is no evidence
of thromboemboli. The pulmonary veins are unremarkable.

HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM:

The liver weighs 1250 grams. The capsule is smooth and glistening and the borders are sharp.
Cut sections show a normal lobular architecture and light brown color. No focal or diffuse lesions are
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noted. A gall bladder is present. The wall is thin and pliable. The mucosa is velvety green. No focal or
diffuse lesions are present. No stones are present.

HEMATOLYMPHATIC SYSTEM:

The spleen weighs 100 grams. The capsule is smooth and glistening with retained fetal
lobulations. The parenchyma is dark red and firm. No tumors or granulomas are seen. Lymph nodes
throughout the body are not enlarged and are otherwise unremarkable.

GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM:

The esophagus is grossly unremarkable throughout its course. The stomach is empty. The rugal
folds are normal in appearance and the gastric mucosa is mildy congested and otherwise free of ulcers,
polyps or tumors. The remainder of the gastrointestinal system is essentially unremarkable. The small
and large intestines are free of tumors, polyps or inflammatory changes. No blood is present. A
vermiform appendix is present.

UROGENITAL SYSTEM:

The left kidney weighs 110 grams and the right kidney weighs 110 grams. Both kidneys reveal a
smooth and glistening cortical surface. Cut sections show a well demarcated cortico-medullary junction
with the normal amount of pelvic fat. The renal artery and veins are unremarkable. The ureters are probe
patent into the bladder trigone area.

The urinary bladder is empty. It exhibits the usual mucosa and thin muscular wall. No areas of
hemorrhage are present. The trigone area is unremarkable. The prostate gland is homogenous tan and free
of gross lesions or nodules. Both testes are present. The testes are homogeneous tan/brown and string
normally. No lesions are seen.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM:

The thyroid gland is free of nodules or cysts and is otherwise grossly unremarkable. The
pancreas is of normal size, shape and texture and shows only autolytic changes. Both adrenal glands are
grossly unremarkable.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM:

There are no bony deformities. The muscles are well developed and of the usual color and
consistency. The sternum, ribs and spine exhibit the usual bone density and marrow.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:

The scalp is reflected, revealing no evidence of trauma. The calvarium is not fractured.
There is no blood present. The brain tissue weighs 1375 grams. It is grossly unremarkable. Normal
anatomy and landmarks are identified. No focal or diffuse lesions are noted. The ventricular system is
patent, and non-compressed. The cerebellum shows normal anatomy. The brainstem is also grossly
unremarkable. The vessels at the base of the brain are free of atherosclerotic changes. No aneurysms are
identified.
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SPECIAL STUDIES:

Representative tissue sections are preserved in neutral buffered Formalin.

Numerous photographs are taken

MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION:

Multiple sections are taken from representative organs and stained with H/E.

Heart: Cardiac myocytes demonstrate hypertensive changes. No acute process is seen.

Lungs: Sections reveal atelectasis, congestion and edema with large areas of acute hemorrhage. There is
no pneumonia.

Liver: Sections reveal advanced autolytic changes.

Kidney: No significant histologic abnormality.

Spleen: No significant histologic abnormality.

Brain: No significant histologic abnormality.