Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"The Emmy determined that Elizabeth died from complications of multiple stab wounds... The thigh wounds were 'superficial' while the abdominal wounds were more serious. They injured her liver and intestines, and they penetrated her aorta. The Emmy noted that Elizabeth had a medical history of depression, and based on the pattern of the injuries and the lack of defensive wounds, he said he can't rule out the possibility that these wounds were self-inflicted. So he classified Elizabeth's manner of death as undetermined." — Ashley Flowers
"I mean, can't rule out the possibility is not the same as she 100% stabbed herself. They're basically saying they still do not know what happened to her." — Britt
"Without a proper investigation, there's no real chance for closure or for answers. Without an expanded blood test, we don't know what exactly was in her system the night she died. We don't know if there's blood on the knives that were never tested. At the end of the day, I don't know what happened to Elizabeth. All I know is that a woman is dead, and many people think that she was cheated out of a thorough investigation. I'm one of them." — Ashley Flowers
The episode details the perplexing death of Elizabeth Santos, whose passing was marked by a chaotic 911 call reporting a mental health crisis that escalated rapidly. Responding officers initially suspected a drug overdose, a theory that Elizabeth's friend, Lisette Hogland Hall, contested, attributing the behavior to a mental health crisis. However, the situation took a grim turn when paramedics discovered multiple stab wounds that were initially missed. The investigation that followed was plagued by issues, including a compromised crime scene, conflicting statements, and a lack of thorough forensic analysis.
The autopsy report concluded that Elizabeth died from complications of multiple stab wounds, but the Medical Examiner classified her manner of death as "undetermined," citing the possibility of self-infliction due to the pattern of injuries and lack of defensive wounds, while acknowledging that homicide could not be ruled out. This classification led the Anchorage Police Department to suspend their investigation, much to the dismay of Elizabeth's family, who firmly believe she was murdered. Their frustration grew as they discovered that crucial forensic evidence, including knives and blood samples, was never tested.
The narrative highlights a series of investigative shortcomings, from the initial mishandling of the scene to the decision not to conduct expanded toxicology tests that might have shed light on Elizabeth's state. The family's efforts to seek further investigation or legal recourse were met with resistance, leaving them convinced that Elizabeth was denied a thorough and just inquiry. The podcast emphasizes the lingering questions about what truly transpired that night, the impact of these unresolved issues on Elizabeth's family, and the broader implications for the justice system when investigations falter.