The preliminary autopsy results for Mercedes Lain have been released. Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman says the cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries of the head, while the manner of death was determined to be homicide. Chipman says several anatomic findings were noted but are not being released publicly at this time.
The postmortem examination was performed Friday by pathologist Dr. Scott A. Wagner with the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center in Fort Wayne. Chipman says the exam itself lasted about two hours.
The 10-and-a-half-month-old was reportedly in the care of Justin Miller, when he says he woke up to find her dead. He later allegedly admitted to disposing of her body to police. Miller is accused of the Level 1 felony of neglect of a dependent resulting in death. Chipman says Miller remains in the Marshall County Jail. His initial court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in Marshall Superior Court 1. The prosecutor says no attorney has appeared for Miller, as of Monday afternoon.
Chipman reminds readers that “criminal charges are mere allegations and that the person so charged is presumed innocent of the allegations unless or until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. “
