The body of Orange County Attorney Elliot Blair was flown to Mexico before his family could draw his blood for an independent toxicology test, the attorney general said Thursday, January 19.
Case Barnett, who is representing Blair’s family, said the Baja California mortuary told the coroner that the body was still there despite the family’s request to take it first. his blood. The family wanted to independently deny Blair – as reported in the Mexican media – when he fell on Saturday morning from the third floor, open bridge at the Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Rosarito Beach.
Mexican authorities did not immediately return requests for comment Thursday. However, the website of the US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico said the funeral “must be done within 24 hours after death.”
The family does not believe Blair was alone and says the Orange County public safety deputy was killed – a theory based on a statement made by a law enforcement investigator in the Blair’s wife, Kim Williams.
“The investigating officer said that night that he had a wound on his head. (The investigator asked) do you have a gun or any weapons? Barnett said. The wife did not.
The family was told through a counselor that Blair’s death is being investigated as a homicide.
An autopsy by Forensic Medical Services in Baja California found no bullet wound or other evidence of foul play, indicating a traumatic brain injury from what the Mexican officials. “bad luck.” But Blair’s family plans to conduct an independent autopsy and has hired private investigators.
The family is also suspicious because the police who were at the place pushed Williams burn the bodyBarnett said.
While blood evidence is usually preserved in government research, Barnett said the family wants his lab to draw its own samples.
“The importance of doing our own blood tests is that they have the ability to determine with an independent test what blood alcohol is,” he said. said Barnett. “Right now, the Mexican authorities control everything. … Can they be trusted?”
He added, “This is sad news for Kim and her family. The results were very important to them.”
Blair and his wife, a deputy attorney general, were at the venue to celebrate their first birthday. They had been to the hotel – and in their private room – many times over the past five years and were familiar with the floor plan.
The couple enjoyed an evening of dancing and drinking before retiring to their room, authorities said.
Baja’s attorney general said this week that Blair’s wife told police she left their room that night. drive away noisy pigeons.
However, Barnett said, Williams never told the police about this. He said he told police through an interpreter that Blair had previously waved from pigeons sleeping on the street ceiling.
Barnett said Williams was asleep when Blair collapsed and was awakened by two hotel employees who came to her open door and asked, “Is that your boyfriend?”
Williams went to investigate and ran down to the body lying face down. He was told an ambulance had come and gone and the police were on their way, Barnett said. Blair was in his pants, socks and a t-shirt.
Police questioned Williams and allowed him to leave the hotel with only his wallet, Barnett said.