“The State calls Dr. Evelyn Cade, Your Honor.”
A few heads turned as the side door opened and Dr. Cade walked in with her usual unhurried stride, dark suit, hair pulled into a no-nonsense knot streaked with gray. She took the stand, was sworn, and settled, hands folded neatly.
Reid stepped to the lectern.
“Dr. Cade, would you please state your name and occupation for the record?”
“Dr. Evelyn Cade. I’m the regional medical examiner based out of Asheville.”
“How long have you served in that role?”
“Twelve years.”
“Were you called to examine human remains recovered from an area known as Riverbend here in Jackson County?”
“Yes.”
“Briefly, can you describe what you received?”
“A set of skeletal remains—partial but substantial—recovered from a shallow grave. Along with associated clothing and personal effects.”
“Were you able to identify those remains?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
“First, through dental comparison with charts provided by the Simms family dentist, then by DNA analysis comparing bone samples to a known maternal relative.”
“And what was the conclusion?”
“That the remains were those of Caroline Simms.”
A quiet murmur moved through the gallery.
Reid gave it a moment, then continued.
“From your examination, did those remains appear to have come to rest at Riverbend naturally?”
“No.”
“What did you observe?”
“The burial pattern and soil interface were consistent with deliberate placement. The bones were together in a way suggesting someone had placed a body there, then covered it. It was not a case of surface remains scattered by animals or erosion.”
“Were you able to determine cause of death?”
“Cause is undetermined,” Cade said. “Skeletal remains, especially after years, often don’t preserve enough evidence for a specific cause.”
“Manner of death?”
She paused.
“I can say the circumstances are highly suspicious for foul play,” she said. “A young woman disappears, is never heard from again, and years later, her remains are found deliberately buriedin a construction area. That is not typical of natural or accidental death.”
Reid nodded slightly.
“Thank you, Doctor. No further questions at this time.”
