Murder Victim Whose Pic Was Posted On Facebook May Have Shielded Self
MIAMI (CBSMiami/The Miami Herald) -- A medical examiner's report on Jennifer Alfonso, whose husband allegedly shot her and posted a photo of her body on Facebook, shows she was shot multiple times at close range.
CBS4 news partner, The Miami Herald, exclusively obtained the report. According to the Herald, Afonso, 26, may have been on her knees trying to shield her face when she was shot.
The autopsy report states gunpowder residue was on her left arm where there were numerous gunshot wounds and many of them were at a downward angle.
The medical examiner stated seven bullets and two bullet fragments were recovered from the body.
In addition, one of the bullets traveled at an angle sharp enough to move straight down and lodge in Alfonso's ribs.
Michael Band is a former Chief Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade county. He has no connection to this case, but we asked him to look at the medical examiner's report.
He says "stippling" on Alfonso's left arm shows she may have been trying to shield herself.
"It appears it is on the back of the left hands as if she sees the gun or has seen the gun and is turning away which is a very natural reaction," he said.
Band said the report indicates multiple shots appear to be from very close range, but others to Alfonso's face were likely from farther away.
He pointed out the medical examiner's report says only where the wounds are on the body, not in which order the shots were fired.
"The prosecution will suggest a theory as to what are the first shots as will the defense posit their own theory," said Band.
Surveillance video from inside the home shows swirls of gunpowder but does not show the shooting itself.
The photo posted on Facebook showed Alfonso on her knees with her torso bent back on the kitchen floor of the South Miami home. It was posted along with the following statement that appeared to be a confession by Derek Medina: "I'm going to prison or death sentence for killing my wife. Love you guys. Miss you guys. Take care. Facebook people you'll see me in the news… my wife was punching me and I'm not going to stand anymore with the abuse so I did what I did. Hope u understand me."
According to police, Derek Medina shot Alfonso during the early morning hours of August 8. A short time later, he arrived at a police station where he described pointing a gun at his wife during an argument in their bedroom, an arrest report stated.
Medina's lawyer could not be reached for comment Thursday night, but told CBS4 News Partner The Miami Herald he had not yet reviewed the report, but would be addressing the issue at a hearing next week.
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