Autopsy reveals Gleaner journalist, Job Nelson did not die from gunshot wound
KINGSTON, Jamaica – An autopsy conducted on the body of journalist Job Nelson on Tuesday showed that he did not die from gunshot wounds as earlier reported.
The autopsy, conducted around 9:00 am at the House of Tranquility Funeral Home, revealed that the preliminary cause of death was a penetrating wound to the chest caused by a metal object from the airbag of the car Nelson was driving.
No gunshot wound was found on Nelson’s body, the police subsequently told Observer Online.
“We can confirm based on the autopsy result that he (Nelson) died from a puncture wound he sustained in the car accident,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Fitz Bailey.
When questioned where the initial story of Nelson being gunned down by unknown assailants on Spanish Town Road in May came from, DCP Bailey said the police were acting on information received by the pronouncing doctor.
Nelson, who was employed at the Jamaica Gleaner up to the time of his death, was reported to have been shot in the chest by attackers. It was said that while attempting to drive himself to the hospital, Nelson crashed his vehicle into a utility pole along Collie Smith Drive, Trench Town.
READ: UPDATE: Gleaner journalist identified as man killed last night
However, during the autopsy, it was revealed that a metal projectile was extracted from the body (a wound to the left side of the chest). The projectile is not believed to be from a bullet, as was the initial report by doctors who pronounced Nelson dead at the Kingston Public Hospital.
It is believed that the object was discharged with immense force from the car airbag upon impact, which caused it to pierce the body of the deceased all the way through and damage the lungs, resulting in internal bleeding.
The pathologist indicated that the cause of death is pending lab results and further analysis of the projectile recovered from the body.
Nelson’s reported demise was met with condemnation from several government officials including Prime Minister Andrew Holness and members of the Opposition.
READ: PNP condemns murder of esteemed journalist Job Nelson, calls for swift justice
