ME: Amber Hilberling's Prison Death Was A Suicide

<p>The Medical Examiner ruled the death of&nbsp;Amber Hilberling a suicide by hanging.&nbsp;</p>

Monday, December 5th 2016, 12:09 pm

By: News On 6


The Medical Examiner ruled the death of Amber Hilberling a suicide by hanging.

Hilberling, 25, was serving a 25-year sentence for pushing her husband, Josh, out of their high-rise apartment to his death in 2011.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections said prison employees found her hanging in her cell at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud on October 24, 2016.

In the official autopsy report, the ME listed Hilberling's probable cause of death as asphyxial hanging with the manner of death as suicide. The report says Hilberling was found with an electrical cord around her neck. 

The ME said Hilberling had methamphetamine in her blood as well as scars on her wrists.

In an appearance on Dr. Phil last month, Hilberling's mother questioned the version of events given by the staff at the prison.

11/14/2016 Related Story: Amber Hilberling's Parents Question Manner Of Daughter's Death

She told Dr. Phil her daughter was sad but not suicidal.

In a statement on behalf of Hilberling's family, they said:

"The family is aware of the medical examiner's report, but they have no plans to comment on those results until a full investigation is complete regarding facility operations.

"While the circumstances surrounding Amber's death remain unclear, the prevalence of contraband inside correctional facilities is often associated with funding deficiencies imposed by the Legislature that rob facilities of adequate treatment programs, staffing, and the supervision necessary for successful rehabilitation.

"Amber was cherished by her family, they are devastated by the loss, and they will continue the investigation for answers regarding factors that caused or contributed to her death."

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