Autopsy Fails To Determine Cause Of Girl's Death

The state medical examiner's office says it can't determine what killed 13-year-old Cori Baker because they don't have enough of her remains. Police and prosecutors say this news will not affect their case against the man charged with Cori's murder.

News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports prosecutors had charged Marquis Bullock when Cori's body hadn't been found at all.  They don't plan to let the latest news stop them from taking the case to court.

Police say evidence shows she's a victim of foul play, even if they can't tell a jury whether she was shot or stabbed or strangled.

Cori Baker disappeared on November 9th last year after getting a ride from school with her oldest sister's boyfriend, Marquis Bullock.

Witnesses saw them later that afternoon in his car, driving and fighting.

He's been charged with her murder. Cori Baker's remains were found near a paintball course on March 21st.

"There's no doubt in anybody's mind that there is foul play involved," said TPD Sgt. Mike Huff.

Because four months had passed and animals had scattered her remains, the search only turned up about half of her remains.

They recovered her skull, jaw bone, vertebrae, one collar bone, one arm, one leg and part of a second, but, no rib cage, which could show injuries like stab or bullet wounds.

"I don't believe this will affect the prosecution. We would like to have every question answered, but, some just can't be answered. I don't think it's a stretch of anyone's imagination to say she was met with foul play," said Sgt. Huff.

Police are still looking for additional remains as well as the clothing Cori was wearing the day she disappeared.

"This isn't over for us and obviously for the family," said Sgt. Huff.

Detectives also found part of a bra and a sock during their search, but are running DNA tests to see if they belong to Cori.

Police still urge anyone with information about this case to come forward.

Marquis Bullock's next court date is June 2nd, where a trial date could be set.

Related story:

5/10/2008  Cori Baker's Life Celebrated