The investigation into the death of Brian Smith, who relatives claim was beaten by soldiers and dumped in the sea, took yet another twist yesterday after the final report on his second autopsy was delivered.
The results of the autopsy, performed by pathologist Dr Hughvon des Vignes, listed Smith’s cause of death as drowning but suggested it was “due to or consequence” of blunt force trauma injuries he sustained before entering the sea.
Des Vignes’ findings on Smith’s cause of death were consistant with those of his colleague Dr Easlyn McDonald-Burris, who performed the first autopsy.
However, Mc-Donald-Burris did not identify wounds to the front, side and back of Smith’s head, which Des Vignes had suggested contributed to his death. The final report, however, contradicts claims made by relatives about the findings of Des Vignes’ report before it was completed.
The subtle differences in the autopsies had reportedly delayed Homicide detectives in classifying his death, as they are yet to find witnesses who could verify if and who attacked Smith before he went into the sea.
In a telephone interview yesterday, after he collected Des Vignes’ report, Smith’s father Gregory said the findings confirmed his initial suspicions.
“When I saw my son I had a gut feeling that something was wrong. I feel hurt now but I am relieved to know the truth,” he said. He also said he felt vindicated for requesting the second autopsy.
“What is so amazing is that what he called blunt force trauma, she said was a little scar on chin and forehead. Tell me how it is you want me to feel now as the father of this child?
“If I had depended on what the first pathologist said this would have been swept under the carpet like many more before this,” he added.
In a press release on Tuesday, McDonald-Burris defended criticism levelled against her, noting Smith’s autopsy was performed with “mature professional consideration and appropriate unbiased skill.
Contacted yesterday, Defence Force civilian affairs officer, Major Al Alexander, said he was pleased that the first and second autopsies confirmed the cause of death but maintained his organisation’s members were not responsible for the injuries identified by Des Vignes.
“Our soldiers did not hit him (Smith) on the head. He probably fell down,” Alexander said.
Investigations are continuing.