If it were, they would PROBABLY say so.
But remember - when persons unknown have gone to great lengths to conceal a murder, a forensic pathologist has to have all the results before issuing a final cause of death.
For example - suppose he was poisoned by cyanide at 2 AM and the body was hanged at 5:30. Imagine being the pathologist who announced after the gross that the cause of death was hanging, four days later when the lung slides are ready it looks like no air in the lungs at time of death, 20 days later the tox comes back positive.
This is a very important case, and it's very important that the Chief Medical Examiner (who I imagine will eventually sign the case out) doesn't make mistakes from being hasty.
I completely agree with you. I haven’t formed a real opinion yet, but I’m fascinated with how this is being handled publicly.
I was a nurse and ME’s earned my respect (for the most part). This is a case I wouldn’t envy for the ME.
I had no idea Michael Baden was still alive, let alone functional.
That's why they have to tread very carefully and test for all kinds of drugs.
Even "obscure" drugs.
If they find any drugs at all, that raises many more questions.
Don't expect the official autopsy results for months.
And the chain of custody on the samples better be iron-clad.