STATEMENT OF FACTS - University of Illinois Springfield

mortis and was trapped by a tampon expanding as it got wet was just a theory.
It was also possible that sand was in the vagina and then trapped by a tampon
being in the vagina. There was no evidence that Karyn was menstruating at the
time of her death. (Vol. LV, R. 752-54)
Defense Evidence
Dr. Travis Hindman, an expert in forensic pathology, examined a portion of
the pelvis of Karyn Slover. (Vol. LXVII, R. 131;133-34) Hindman identified rocks,
sand, and gravel in photographs of the body parts. (Vol. LXVII, R. 136-37)
According to Hindman, the vagina and rectum were facing away from the direction
of the waves on the lake. (Vol. LXVII, R. 165)
Hindman found what he described as a large quantity of sand, rocks and
gravel within the vagina and terminal leading to the outside of the anus. (Vol.
LXVII, R. 138-39) The amount of sand, rocks, and gravel that came from the
vagina alone formed a mass 10 by 10 by 2 centimeters in diameter, or 2 inches by
2 inches by 1 inch thick. (Vol. LXVII, R. 139) Hindman described the vagina as
a closed compartment which does not allow materials, or even water, to enter.
(Vol. LXVII, R. 140)
Hindman also found a tampon low in the vagina with sand and gravel and
rocks very high in the vagina – between the top of the tampon and the top of the
vagina. (Vol. LXVII, R. 168)
Based on the amount of rocks, sand, and gravel found above the tampon,
Hindman opined that the materials found inside the vagina were not caused by
the lake’s wave action. (Vol. LXVII, R. 141-42; 169) Even though the muscles of
the body relax after death, the sand, rocks and gravel were likely placed there
because even water does not easily enter the vagina and the tampon served as a
substantial obstructive agent. (Vol. LXVII, R. 142; 148-50; 157; 172)
There was no evidence to suggest Ms. Slover was sexually assaulted before
or after her death. (Vol. LXVII, R. 147) There is no definitive test for determining
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