Autopsy Performed for Dead Body in Lamb County
By: Julie Musgrave
Updated: August 4, 2009
New details tonight on the dragging death in Lamb County. An autopsy today was supposed to identify the victim, but results came back inconclusive, and examiners are now looking to other methods of identification.
Officials found the victim's body Friday night dumped in a ravine after being dragged nearly four miles through two counties.
Lamb County Sheriff Gary Maddox tells us they believe they have a name for the victim, but they're waiting on official autopsy results to release that identity. However, this afternoon -- it was realized the face was so badly mangled, the body will now be transported to Lubbock Police for fingerprinting. Sheriff Maddox says that's the only way they'll be able to identify the body.
Officials have confirmed the victim died from being beaten Friday night. The investigation, you'll recall, began Friday, when a witness noticed a Red Mercedez Benz dragging a body behind it, tied by the ankles with a hose. Officials arrested 51-year-old Mickey Birchfield and 53-year-old Bradford Halderman later that night, both are charged with murder.
