AUTOPSY REPORT: BP agent’s manner of death ‘undetermined’
An autopsy report obtained by ABC-7 states Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez died as a result of blunt trauma to his head, but does not reveal a manner of death – merely labeled as “undetermined.”
Agent Martinez died after he was found November 18, 2017 with severe head injuries and broken bones near Van Horn, Texas. Martinez, on duty at the time, was responding to a triggered sensor when he called for help, investigators said.
Martinez’s partner, identified in court documents as Stephen Garland, immediately responded and also radioed for help, investigators said. When other agents arrived, both Martinez and Garland were found seriously injured. Garland, hospitalized for days after the incident, later said he could not remember what happened.
The medical examiner’s autopsy report found Martinez had a skull fracture, a fractured eye socket, multiple rib fractures and a broken collarbone. The ME also found brain hemorrhaging, but no other internal injuries.
The report also states Butalbital was found in Martinez’s system. Butalbital, a barbiturate, is “often found in combination with other compounds such aspirin, codeine or caffeine,” the autopsy report states, “signs noted following its administration include drowsiness, sedation and ataxia.” Ataxia is an inability to coordinate movements.
The FBI El Paso division, investigating the incident as a “possible assault,” announced a digital billboard campaign to bring awareness to the reward offer in the death. It is now offering a $50,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
Anyone driving through Van Horn during 10 pm to midnight on November 18, 2017, is asked to contact the FBI with any information. The FBI said it is aggressively investigating all leads coming in from the public and through investigative activities.
