Smith autopsy details changed

References to a history of suicidal thoughts and alcoholism have been removed from the autopsy report for junior Courtland Smith.

The redaction of some details — which are crossed out in the new report but still readable — has appeased Smith’s family and friends, who voiced concerns about the accuracy of some medical information presented in the report.

It is still unclear why the medical information was originally included.

Mentions of Jeremy Paul Flinchum, the Archdale police officer who shot Smith, the probable causes of death and the type of police weapon used have also been crossed out on the report. No reason was given for these deletions.

Many details of Smith’s death remain unknown, in part due to a continuing examination by the State Bureau of Investigation, which was present for the autopsy, according to the report.

SBI investigations are routine when an officer fires a weapon.

Smith’s parents, Pharr and Susan Smith, sought a better understanding of the autopsy report last week, prior to the new report’s release, in a meeting with John Butts, N.C. chief medical examiner.

A portion of the narrative summary that said Smith had commented to friends on the day of his death and before about “possible suicidal ideas” has been crossed out, along with mentions of alcoholism and depression in the medical history section.

“He had called 911 indicating that he had a 9mm gun and was considering suicide only while he was driving,” the amended report states. “There is no evidence that prior to this he had expressed suicidal thoughts or intent.”

Smith, a biology major, was killed at about 5 a.m. on Aug. 23 roughly 15 minutes south of Greensboro. Smith had called 911 about 15 minutes earlier, telling dispatchers he was armed, suicidal and driving drunk at high speeds along the interstate.

The narrative in the autopsy report states police shot Smith when he exited his vehicle and made a “suggestive move toward his pocket which the police interpreted as a move to get a gun.”

The report also states Smith had a blood alcohol content of about .22 percent, almost three times the legal limit.

Butts could not be reached for comment.

Smith’s reason for driving about 40 minutes away from Chapel Hill and his whereabouts in the hours before being stopped by police are still unclear.

Smith was last reported seen in Chapel Hill leaving a Delta Kappa Epsilon house party at about 12:30 a.m. the day of his death.

Friends and family have remembered Smith as an engaging leader who worked as a counselor at western North Carolina’s Camp Mondamin and served as president of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

A statement released by Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity expressed relief at the autopsy report changes.

In a previous statement, members of Smith’s fraternity said they were surprised the report stated Smith had discussed suicide previously.

“No one we have talked with has mentioned any such conversations,” the statement said. “We are also unaware of any history of depression; to the contrary, Courtland was cheerful and optimistic. We are not autopsy experts, but we are confused by these editorial comments made by the local Medical Examiner with no references to his sources.”



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.