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03/08/2004
'No third party involvement' in Rachel Whitear death
A drug addict, whose body was exhumed by police after questions were raised about the manner of her death, passed away without any third-party involvement, forensic scientists have said.
Rachel Whitear, 21, was found dead in the bedroom of her flat in Exmouth, Devon, on May 12 2000 after apparently suffering a drugs overdose. A photograph of Rachel's body, with a syringe still in her hand, subsequently gained national media attention when it was released to help promote drugs awareness.
An 'open verdict' was recorded at the original coroner's inquest – but no post mortem examination was carried out.
Question marks were since raised over the Devon and Cornwall police investigation, and the Police Complaints Authority called in Wiltshire CID to review the case.
However, forensics experts said today that Ms Whitear probably died from a drugs overdose. Police have said that there is no evidence to justify criminal proceedings.
(gmcg)
Rachel Whitear, 21, was found dead in the bedroom of her flat in Exmouth, Devon, on May 12 2000 after apparently suffering a drugs overdose. A photograph of Rachel's body, with a syringe still in her hand, subsequently gained national media attention when it was released to help promote drugs awareness.
An 'open verdict' was recorded at the original coroner's inquest – but no post mortem examination was carried out.
Question marks were since raised over the Devon and Cornwall police investigation, and the Police Complaints Authority called in Wiltshire CID to review the case.
However, forensics experts said today that Ms Whitear probably died from a drugs overdose. Police have said that there is no evidence to justify criminal proceedings.
(gmcg)
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