More than a month after police found 71-year-old Elin Etienne dead inside a North Miami nursing home, the medical examiner is unable to determine how he died.
A month after a North Miami man who'd been missing for several days was found dead inside a storage closet at a nursing facility, his cause of death has been ruled “undetermined."
Elin Etienne, 71, had dementia and was receiving care at North Dade Nursing and Rehabilitation Center before he was reported missing on Aug. 22.
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Over a week later, an anonymous caller told the family he was found dead in a closet.
"He was decomposed to the point where they would not let us identify the body," said his niece, Kimberly Etienne.
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A month later, a medical examiners report obtained by NBC6 on Thursday shows police claim there was no signs of trauma or foul play.
The medical examiner also did not observe any injuries on the body. The body was decomposed, with green discoloration and had maggots.
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On the other hand, a toxicology report also found the liver and brain tested positive for drugs like antipsychotics to treat behavioral problems and drugs used to relieve allergies and cold.
North Miami Police told NBC6 they were not aware of the report we obtained, but the case was considered closed based on the initial findings that indicated no injury or any violence led to Etienne's death.
The family is still desperate for answers.
“It is a horrific tragedy,” said attorney Philip Gold, who's representing the family. “This medical examiner's report is more conformation as to their worst nightmare.”
The family won't rest until they get the answers they're searching for.
“The medical examiner’s findings are consistent with the fact that he was left dead and decomposing for 10 days or more,” Gold said. "This should never happen, the family hopes this never happens again to anybody or at any nursing home."
NBC6 reached out to the facility Thursday night and have not heard back. However, in a previous statement they expressed their condolences and stated they were cooperating with police.
The family's attorney says they are pursuing legal action against the nursing home.
