The Dallas County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of a hairstylist found in her burning car "accidental". But police say that does NOT close the investigation. KERA's BJ Austin reports.
22 year old Elizabeth Lightfoot was found in her burning car about two am November 4th. The car was in a ravine near a small strip shopping center on Preston Road, between Arapaho and Keller Springs. Schepp's Dairy and Dallas Crime Stoppers combined to offer a reward of 15 thousand dollars for information leading to an arrest.
The Medical Examiner's autopsy report says Lightfoot's blood alcohol level was about three times the legal limit. There was no evidence of significant trauma - no blunt force injuries to the head, neck, ribs or abdomen. The M-E says Elizabeth Lightfoot died of smoke inhalation and burns over 70% of her body. He ruled the death accidental.
Dallas Police say the ME's report is part of a comprehensive investigation that is ongoing, and investigators continue to treat Lightfoot's death as a homicide. Police say the circumstances surrounding the death are unusual and police will continue to look for evidence to explain what happened. Officers say Elizabeth Lightfoot's family and the general public deserve a thorough investigation.
