Autopsy: Carjacker killed by Collier deputies shot 9 times

Published: Updated:

NAPLES, Fla. – A woman killed by Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies in Oct. 2015 was shot nine times, including a fatal gunshot to the head, according to an autopsy released Tuesday.

Michelle Burg-Esch, 46, was also shot in the neck, torso and arms, the autopsy said.

Burg-Esch attempted to carjack two vehicles before successfully stealing one at gunpoint, then leading authorities on a five-mile chase down Tamiami Trail, officials said.

Cocaine was found in her blood stream, along with other drugs, the report said. Witnesses said Burg-Esch appeared to be either drunk or high.

Deputies stopped Burg-Esch’s vehicle by pinning her car into a median. Once stopped, gunfire was exchanged between three deputies and Burg-Esch, the report said.

Copyright ©2025 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.