High-profile forensic pathologist to assist in Limberios case

9/13/2013

CASTALIA, Ohio -- A high-profile forensic pathologist who has weighed in on major criminal cases across the country will examine information related to the 2012 shooting death of a Castalia teenager at the request of the Ohio Attorney General’s office.

Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner who has consulted on the death of actor John Belushi and testified in the O.J. Simpson trial, has been contracted by the state agency to assist with its investigation into the March, 2012, death of Jacob Limberios, 19.

The Attorney General’s office was appointed to lead the investigation about three months ago.

Two autopsies have been performed in the case. The first, performed by Dr. Cyril Wecht of Pittsburgh at the request of the teen’s family, determined the death was a homicide-- an opinion that contradicted Sandusky County Coroner John Wukie’s suicide ruling.

Later, the Lucas County coroner’s office performed a second autopsy and released findings “not inconsistent” with the suicide ruling.

The Attorney General’s office has worked with Dr. Baden previously, said spokesman Dan Tierney. He will review statements made by witnesses and provide expert forensic services, but Mr. Tierney would not say whether he would be asked to perform a third autopsy.

Mr. Tierney said a review of the forensic evidence led the office to determine Dr. Baden “was the best fit for this particular case.” Mr. Tierney would not say how much the state was paying Dr. Baden or when the investigation may be completed.