Medical examiner testifies, defends findings in Michael Zutten murder trial

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Michael J. Zutten of Cape Coral. Mugshot via the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

Heather Grimshaw’s body was found in disturbing conditions back in 2015. On Monday, in the trial for her suspected killer, the medical examiner showed pictures of the body to the jury.

Grimshaw’s fiance is on trial for murder. Investigators believe Michael Zutten killed and dumped Grimshaw’s body in a state forest in Collier County.

Prosecutors say Zutten posted on Facebook about hiding bodies after Grimshaw’s death.

Dr. Manfred Borges, the medical examiner for the case, said only a portion of Grimshaw’s skull, some brain matter, a single finger and some hair was found in a state park in 2015. Which is why he said it’s hard to tell exactly how she died.

Although he can’t say for sure how Grimshaw died, he said in his medical opinion he believes it was at the hands of another person.

Dr. Borges said the remains were found in a remote area in a state park in 2015. He said the way her remains were found in that park is the main reason he believes her body was dumped there.

“I couldn’t fathom why I didn’t see remnants of clothing, I didn’t see shoes, I didn’t see jewelry, I didn’t see a purse, I didn’t see a backpack. I saw skeletal remains and despite thorough shifting through all that muck, none of these items were found and that indicated to me unceremonious disposition and an attempt to conceal,” said Dr. Borges.

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