LOS ANGELES – Famed New York pathologist Michael Baden is on his way to California to perform a private autopsy on the body of David Carradine.
“Baden is one of the most experienced forensic pathologists in the world. If there’s something suspicious, he’ll find it,” said his friend Dr. Lawrence Kobilinsky, chairman of the Department of Forensic Sciences at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Baden, the former Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, confirmed to radaronline.com that he will be examining the body of the “Kung Fu” star.
Carradine, 72, was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room Thursday, hanging naked in a closet with ropes tied around his wrists, neck and genitals.
Two of Carradine’s ex-wives have revealed that the “Kung Fu” star got his kicks with kinky sex.
“[Baden is] familiar with autoerotic asphyxiation,” Kobilinsky said. “He’ll perform a typical autopsy of the body … [and] a psychological autopsy, to get into the mind of the deceased.”
Kobilinsky expects Baden will wait for Carradine’s toxicology results, expected to take several weeks at a Thai lab, before issuing his report.
And Baden likely will ask for photos taken in the hotel room by Thai police, he said.
“If there’s evidence of pornography or sexual apparatus, that would support the notion this was autoerotic,” he said.
“Failure to find that begs the interesting question whether he did this all himself. His hands were tied up, above his head. How does that happen? It’s not impossible, but you have to ask all the questions,” Kobilinsky said.
A photo of Carradine hanging naked in the hotel closet already has appeared on the cover of a Thai tabloid to the horror of the “Kill Bill” actor’s family.
“Any persons, publications or media outlets will be fully prosecuted for invasion of privacy and causing severe emotional distress if the photos are published,” lawyer Mark Geragos said on behalf of half-brother Keith Carradine.
The family has openly wondered if Carradine’s death was foul play – and whether his death may be connected to kung fu secret societies. Keith Carradine contacted the FBI last week seeking an investigation.
“The FBI has been contacted by representatives of the Carradine family and is in contact with the FBI’s legal attaché at the US Embassy in Bangkok to obtain further information and to determine if the Thai authorities are requesting or would welcome FBI assistance in this matter,” FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.
Thai police said Monday they had no problem opening the investigation to FBI observers.
“If the FBI wants to get involved, we will do our best to cooperate,” Thai police Maj. Gen. Amnuay Nimmano told reporters.
With News wire services
