The medico-legal autopsy of freelance model Gina Lima, declared dead on arrival at a Quezon City hospital, confirmed that she did not die from external injuries.
The report indicated non-fatal external injuries and signs of heart congestion and edematous lungs, consistent with earlier assessments pointing to cardio-respiratory distress.
“Kailangan antayin din natin ‘yung resulta ng toxicology examination para dun sa iba pang cause of death. Kasi dito nga sa initial is hindi fatal. So ibig sabihin, hindi ‘yun [external injuries] ‘yung ikinamatay niya,” said PMaj. Jennifer Gannaban, spokesperson of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
Investigators also recovered tablets and marijuana kush from the room where Lima was found.
The case took a tragic turn when Lima’s former boyfriend, who brought her to the hospital, was later found dead by apparent suicide at their Quezon City home.
“As of 7:20 a.m., declared siya na dead on arrival sa Quezon City General Hospital,” said PLtCol. Edison Ouano, chief of the QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit.
Ouano said investigators were also looking into online harassment following the incident.
“As to the sinisisi, ‘yan ang iniimbestigahan natin ngayon kasi sa social media may bashing nga na nangyari… Pero parallel, mag-conduct pa rin kami ng investigation regarding doon sa pagkamatay nung ex-boyfriend,” he added.
Police clarified that the ex-boyfriend was a witness, not a person of interest.
“Wala tayong nakuhang evidence na nagtuturo na may kinalaman siya. So for now, ang medico-legal nga na hawak natin is non-fatal naman ‘yung mga external injuries niya. So walang makakapag-connect doon sa witness,” Gannaban said.
Authorities confirmed that Lima’s family is cooperating and the investigation remains active, pending toxicology results and further forensic findings.
