35. In Official Letter No. 114-2003-MFD-G, of January 28, 2003, the Prosecutor asked the Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez Health Institute to conduct “the toxicology and pathology test, and also conduct a blood test to verify whether she was pregnant." 15 It is worth highlighting a handwritten note provided on receipt of the official letter. Nine unsealed plastic containers are received, labeled 13/DEC/02 and the samples indicated in the autopsy protocol—the containers with stomach contents and test tube with blood—are sent to toxicology. The containers with the samples, without formaldehyde, with the exception of the uterus and its attachments, have been previously opened. Dr. Carolina Pérez C. January 30 10:35.16 36. The medical report issued on February 12, 2013, by Dr. José A. Kuri, a surgeon, clinical pathologist, and biochemist, stated: It should be noted that the sample is old and not properly preserved. Under these conditions, even if beta chorionic gonadotropin had been present, it would be totally destroyed in one week’s time [...] I suggest that if a physiological status that increases the quantity of this hormone is suspected, complementary anatomic-pathological studies be conducted on the ovaries and the uterus.17 37. In his statement of September 6, 2003, during the criminal proceeding, Dr. Kuri reiterated that the sample was old and stated that "in order for a blood sample to be well preserved, the plasma has to be separated from the cells immediately after coagulation. Once the serum is obtained, it can be optimally preserved if it is stored at less than 4°C. If it is kept in a regular refrigerator, it decomposes within a week, but if it is mixed with other products that destroy blood, as was the case with this sample, protein hormones like those being tested for here are destroyed in less than a week.”18 38. As far as whether or not she was pregnant, forensic medical autopsy H-2003-11-502 (no date) of the Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez National Institute for Health and Tropical Medicine found the following: [...] UTERUS: Uterine neck shows histological changes consistent with chronic cervicitis and intense vascular congestion. Endometria in a stage of advance secretion, with dilated and twisted glands with secretion in their interior. Congestive stroma with focal hemorrhage areas. NO DECIDUAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE ENDOMETRIAL LINING WHICH SIGNIFIES LACK OF PREGNANCY.19 39. The final diagnosis of the autopsy was as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. PULMONARY CONGESTION AND EDEMA NO DECIDUAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE ENDOMETRIAL LINING. NO PREGNANCY. NECROTIC LIVER, KIDNEYS, HEART, AND STOMACH EDEMA AND NECROSIS OF THE BRAIN20 Attachment 6. Official Letter No. 114-2003-MFD-G of January 28, 2003, from the Office of the District Prosecutor of Guayas and Galápagos. Attachment to initial petition. 16 Attachment 6. Official Letter No. 114-2003-MFD-G of January 28, 2003, from the Office of the District Prosecutor of Guayas and Galápagos. Attachment to initial petition. 17 Attachment 7. Medical report by Dr. José A. Kuri. Attached to the communication of the petitioner, October 14, 2014. 18 Attachment 8. Statement of Dr. Alberto Kuri González. Attached to the communication of the petitioner, October 14, 2014. 19 Attachment 9. Forensic medical autopsy H-2003-11502 of the Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez National Institute for Health and Tropical Medicine. Attached to the communication of the petitioner, October 14, 2014. 20 Attachment 9. Forensic medical autopsy H-2003-11502 of the Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez National Institute for Health and Tropical Medicine. Attached to the communication of the petitioner of October 14, 2014. 15