On December 19, 2008, authorities announced that DNA testing confirmed the remains belonged to Caylee Anthony. As stated in the autopsy report, the medical examiner, Dr. Jan Garavaglia, concluded Anthony’s manner of death was homicide. However, the cause of death could not be determined. According to the autopsy, Anthony’s remains were found “intermixed with two plastic trash bags and a canvas laundry type bag” in a heavily wooded area. Dr. Garavaglia noted that the remains had been disturbed and scattered around, which was attributed to local wildlife. As the remains were in the woods for an estimated six months, there was no soft tissue remaining on the bones.
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The autopsy revealed the vertebrae were found clustered together several feet away from the plastic bags and the skull, as were other clusters of bones. In her report, Dr. Garavaglia noted there were several roots growing in and around the plastic bags and some of the bones, including the vertebrae, suggesting the remains were placed in the woods around the time Anthony was reported missing and prior to decomposition.
As stated in the autopsy, Dr. Garavaglia was unable to find any evidence of trauma on the bones. Toxicology testing, which was performed on strands of Anthony’s hair recovered from the scene, did not indicate there were any drugs in her system at the time of her death. However, Dr. Garavaglia noted there was duct tape on the lower facial region, which was holding the lower jaw in place.
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