Zahau 's autopsy results revealed four instances of head trauma , about which investigators and outside commentators expressed various theories . San Diego Medical Examiner Jonathan Lucas stated that " because there was evidence that she went over the balcony in a non-vertical position , she may have struck her head on the balcony on the way down . " Werner Spitz , an expert witness who testified during the trial of Casey Anthony , said it was a possibility , stating , " When the body first dropped , she does n't necessarily jump to her death , so she would drop directly downward and she could easily hit against the side of the structure from which she is hanging . " However , he noted that to draw stronger conclusions he would have preferred to see what the body looked like before the wrist bindings were removed . Forensic consultant Dr. Maurice Godwin expressed doubt , stating , " The chances of bumping into the railing , going over the balcony and hitting your head four times is highly unlikely . " A second autopsy on Zahau was conducted by famed pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht at her family 's request . Wecht testified that he believed fractures in Zahau ’s throat were caused by manual strangulation , not by suicidal hanging . He further stated that he thought Zahau ’s death " was a homicide . ” In addition , other inaccuracies were found with the Sheriff 's Department investigation , including evidence that indicated that Zahau was sexually assaulted before her death
trial of Casey Anthony
Death of Caylee Anthony
Death of Rebecca Zahau