Autopsy report paints grim picture of Houston’s final hours LOS ANGELES (AP) — Whitney Houston was found face-down in a bathtub with cocaine in her system and drug paraphernalia on the bathroom counter nearby, investigators revealed in the singer’s final autopsy report released Wednesday. The report delivered a grim accounting of Houston’s final hours nearly three months ago. The singer complained of a sore throat before an assistant suggested she take a bath before the start of a pre-Grammy Awards gala. By the time the assistant returned, Houston had drowned and was lying face down in the tub. Investigators who scoured the room later found in the bathroom a “spoon with a white crystal like substance in it,” and a white powdery substance in a drawer and on a mirror, according the report. The report does not specifically identify the substances as cocaine, although toxicology tests discovered the drug in Houston’s heart and extremities. The report provides a sad footnote to Houston’s life, revealing the toll the singer’s drug use took on her body. When coroner’s officials said two weeks ago that Houston died from accidental drowning, they also revealed that cocaine had played a role in her death. The office has said there were signs of both chronic and recent use. An investigator noted a hole in the singer’s nose, listed under “history of substance abuse.” Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said he could not discuss how recently Houston may have used
cocaine, or other details of the final report. Beverly Hills police Lt. Mark Rosen said the investigation is still open and he could not comment on the findings. The department has said there did not appear to be signs of foul play. On her final day alive, Houston complained she had a sore throat for several days, and an assistant suggested she take a bath, according to the report. By the time her assistant returned, Houston had been submerged for at least an hour, the report estimates. Water soaked the floor, seeping into the bedroom area. Investigators initially expected drugs or alcohol played a role in Houston’s death, but no alcohol was found in her system. They eventually ruled her death an accidental drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use cited as contributing factors. Houston’s death came just hours before a preGrammy gala thrown by her mentor Clive Davis. She was attempting another comeback by starring in a remake of the film “Sparkle,” in which she plays the mother of three girls who form a singing group and struggle with fame and drug addiction. A trailer released Monday featured Houston prominently, including a snippet of her performance of the classic gospel song “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” Toxicology results also showed Houston had marijuana, Xanax, the muscle relaxant Flexeril, and the allergy medication Benadryl in her system. None of those drugs were considered factors in her death.
CONCORD (AP) — A New Hampshire man charged with committing a robbery after mistakenly being freed from prison is now facing additional charges. Concord police say 44-year-old James Rand wrestled a purse from a woman at Wal-Mart April 1, the same night they say he robbed a convenience store clerk at knifepoint. During a search of his home police say they found
items stolen from the Brix and Stix Company during a burglary March 31. He now faces two counts of robbery and a burglary charge. Corrections officials say he was mistakenly paroled March 30, because they did not realize he had a criminal charge pending. Rand is scheduled to appear in court Thursday. He is being held on $60,000 bail.
Man freed by mistake facing new robbery charge
Bow doctor charged with sexual assault found dead in Meredith hotel room BOW (AP) — A New Hampshire doctor accused of sexually assaulting patients has been found dead in a hotel room in Meredith. The Citizen reports Dr. Steven Chern, who had
surrendered his medical license, was found unresponsive Monday afternoon in a room at Church Landing. He was declared dead a short time later.
THE LACONIA DAILY SUN, Thursday, April 5, 2012— Page 13
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Spring Baby and Children’s Boutique SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 9am-2pm
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Consignments & Donations of SPRING/SUMMER children’s clothing, furniture & toys (no stuffed animals) will be accepted
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