Williams was last seen at 2 a.m Jan. 26 leaving the Hard Rock Cafe in the Gaslamp District in San Diego. A bystander found Williams’ body three days later, wrapped in a blanket and fully clothed miles away. Police said there were no obvious signs of a homicide.
“We literally don’t know why Dane died,” Rooney said.
In the last three years, only 211 medical-examiner cases out of 10,580, or 2%, have not determined a cause of death at this point, said Operation’s Manager Rick Poggemeyer.
The county medical examiner found alcohol and small amounts of prescription drugs in Williams’ system. His blood alcohol level was .17, more than twice what is considered legally intoxicated, according to the toxicology report. Blood tests also revealed trace amounts of quinine, which is found in tonic water. Tests also showed a small concentration of diazepam, also known as Valium. The amount was so small it probably didn’t signify abuse, Poggemeyer said.
The autopsy showed wounds to his lower jaw, right cheek and right ring finger knuckle. There was also a dried bloody fluid around in his nose, mouth and on his chin, the report said.
Williams was found face down wrapped in an animal-hair covered blanket reeking of urine in the dirt in an alley. Police found foot prints by his head and tire tracks by his side, leading them to believe his body was dropped off there after his death.
Investigators are depending on forensic experts to find a lead out of what little they have, Rooney said. Scientists are examining the blanket, hair and fibers found at the scene, he said.
“We do rely a lot on cooperation of witnesses. If nobody comes forward, it is going to be difficult,” Rooney said. “There’s a minimum of one person that knows what happened.”
JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.
