CASE 3: Detective Rebecca “Becky” Smith
Demographic
41-year-old, White Female, Non-Hispanic, 63″ tall, 180 pounds at the time of death. Body Mass
Index (BMI) 31.9 (Obese).
Becky was found deceased in the bathroom of her residence after failing to show for work.
Several bottles of diphenhydramine were located in the bathroom near the decedent along with
two suicide notes (See Suicide Note Section). Toxicology reports indicated heart blood levels of
diphenhydramine were 7500 ng/mL and noted ethanol level of 15 mg/dL (See Simulated
Autopsy Report). Due to the circumstances and findings, the Medical Examiner determined the
manner of death to be suicide due to diphenhydramine intoxication.
Becky was in a long-term relationship with Joanne, a female officer from a neighboring agency.
She had never been married and had no children. As of late, Becky seemed a bit paranoid and
believed her girlfriend was having an affair. Becky confided in a close friend that she wouldn’t
know what to do and was unsure if she could handle a breakup.
Becky was a Navy veteran, serving two enlistments. Her military occupational specialty (MOS)
was Security Forces. Becky received numerous awards and was very self-motivated. Becky’s
parents noted that Becky had been sexually assaulted by a male co-worker within a month of
arriving at her first duty station. They said she struggled with the incident and had become
depressed for about a year following the assault. They also noted that she drank excessively in
the year following the assault. However, they said she received psychiatric care and seemed to
have really made progress. She quit using alcohol and began seeing a counselor. She continued
seeing a counselor for about two years preceding the assault.
After separating from the military Becky joined the ranks of a large municipal police agency.
She absolutely loved her job and excelled. She worked hard and was eventually promoted to
investigations. She worked mainly in sex crimes. She had not shared anything about her sexual
assault, but she told her girlfriend that she believed the experience would help make her a better
detective.
Suicide Note
Note 1:
Jo, I want you to know first and foremost, I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY BEING. I have never
loved anyone this much.
I know things aren’t good. I know something is going on and I believe you are cheating on me. It
is killing me inside. I cannot think of going on without you.
Please forgive me. Please think of me often. Love, Bec
Note 2:
Mom & Dad, I tried the best I could. I just don’t have any more to give. I guess it’s just not in the
cards for me to be loved.
I’m sorry. I love you both. Becky
Background
Becky was an only child and was very close with her parents and extended family. She spent
much of her free time with her family. She had a few close friends growing up, but as with life,
many fizzled out as she grew up. Becky had issues fitting in when she got to high school. She
knew at an early age she was attracted to females, but she feared sharing this with her family or
friends. She was terrified that if they found out they would disown her. She did date in high
school, but mainly close male friends. She didn’t want any suspicion about her sexuality to be
revealed.
After high school Becky decided to join the Navy. She wanted to see the world, but she feared
leaving behind her family. The good thing, she was stationed two hours from home, so she was
able to visit frequently. She feared being stationed overseas so after her second enlistment she
decided to separate.
END OF SCENARIO
