Cold Case Review of Sophie Tuscan du Plantier murder to proceed. **Threadbans lifted - see OP**

Sorry for late reply. I'll see what I have but many of them are not suitable to share.

B

I assume it was part of what was handed over to the French for their kangaroo court in an act of debasement by the authorities here.

Could you let me know who these pathologists are as both Harbison and the French pathologists concluded that she died as a result of blunt force trauma. There is some evidence to suggest an attempt at strangulation - haemorrhage in the eyes and bruising of the strap muscles - however the hyoid bone was intact and there is no evidence to suggest that this contributed to her death. The head injuries were not inflicted post mortem as evidenced by the amount of blood at the scene. Also the injuries to her hands are classic defence injuries which suggest that she was defending her head and face when the blows were struck.

I was quoting from this post, above; Jim Sheridan being interviewed about his forthcoming documentary. He claimed to have word from 2 pathologists, etc. but does not name them or give a source.

Total speculation but the following I think may be how it happened. At least it fits in with the few facts..

Killer(s) arrived by car without an intention to kill, during darkness. At least one of them is living locally.

One had taken drugs and intended to retrieve stored drugs somewhere on the property for use/sale during the holiday period. Drugs stored on little used property so the dealers wouldn’t be incriminated. It was known that the place had been used by someone in the past..

Sophie comes out to meet/challenge them and she recognizes at least one. They may even have entered the house to discuss the issue or come to a deal. An argument ensues she runs as it gets physical, possibly biting the hand of one to break free.

A chase ensues she is hit repeatedly by a weapon/rock and after she is brought to the ground a block is used by one to destroy evidence (of bite).

House is re-entered to find/clean any incriminating evidence remove stash, wine bottle is taken and perhaps other items.  Lights are turned off and door is closed, it is still dark. The body is left as it would be too difficult to dispose of and it won't be obvious until daylight. May be left as a warning..

Wine is thrown away as it may incriminate if found or in some way lead to the killer(s). Other items may have been thrown away further on the journey..

Feel free to poke holes, add suggestions or alternatives..

French wording translated to 'inscription under which appears a drawing or a character calling for help'

That is how he is described by Jim Sheridan.

How would you describe someone with these credentials... "forensic physician"?

He was President of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians from 2015-2017 and of the World Police Medical Officers from 2011-2014.

http://www.payne-james.co.uk/about/

Sheridan may have used that phrase as it is in common usage.

Aside from that - looking at the actual credentials and experience listed, which is extensive, do you see anything to doubt his standing as an expert witness here? Would a forensic physician be considered an 'expert' in such matters?

What is he basing his findings on, photos, Harbisons report, the French report? She’s hardly been exhumed again.

Call me old fashioned, but I’d go with Harbison’s findings rather than; “an expert witness in a range of settings.”

As I said - He is not a pathologist, but that does not negate his experience. Perhaps he should be asked how many post-mortem he's carried out.

A forensic pathologist only deals with the 20% of cases you mention. They are the acknowledged experts in this field. The other 80% are dealt with by hospital pathologists.

I have spoken with a colleague who is renowned forensic pathologist and who knows Dr Payne James and he assures me that he has never performed an autopsy in his life.

Just looked up the windchill for that temperature and breeze. That night it would have felt like -1 to -2 celcius outside. Hardly weather for anyone to do a long walk or feel in any way like it even if you had a good wool coat, hat and gloves. I'd say a car was used..

I think a car was used and it was at night. Lights turned off and blood on door handle means someone went inside to turn them off and also the lack of hiding the body is definitely more relevant to darkness and potentially someone who is maybe drunk.

Fair point. But I wonder why someone would leave the body there rather than just dump it behind some bushes etc?

Since we have learned that Sophie almost never went to the cottage ALONE, and probably the criminal could see her car, I now think they may have gone to the house to check if anyone else was there who might have seen or heard the assault.

Doesn't add much to the story, I know, but still points to the question; how did the attacker know that Sophie was alone? (IF they did...)

In fact, how many people knew that she was unaccompanied on this occasion?