KOROR, Palau – A doctor’s report contradicts the initial cause of death for a 31-year-old man found hanging in Ngatpang State on March 24, raising questions and prompting legal action by the man’s mother.
Clinton Hirozo Nakamura was found deceased near his residence and his death certificate listed asphyxia by hanging. However, Dr. Emais Roberts, a general surgeon who conducted an external post-mortem examination at the request of Nakamura’s attorney, concluded hanging was unlikely the cause of death.
Dr. Roberts cited the absence of typical hanging marks, such as facial swelling and high neck markings, as evidence against suicide. He acknowledged the difficulty in differentiating strangulation marks from hanging marks, but noted that gravity wouldn’t position a hanging mark mid-neck in a high-elevation scenario.
Jennifer Nakamura, the deceased’s mother, expressed suspicion about the cause of death and sought an autopsy. She obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent burial until the autopsy could be performed.
The TRO triggered a series of legal actions. Parties previously responsible for funeral arrangements relinquished their duties, while Christine Nakamura, potentially representing other family members, filed a counterclaim against Jennifer Nakamura for funeral home expenses incurred during the TRO.
Jennifer Nakamura responded with a lawsuit against the Republic of Palau, the doctor who prepared the initial medical report, and the investigating police officer.
Dr. Roberts’ report prompted Attorney Johnson Toribiong, representing Jennifer Nakamura, to request the funeral home withhold the body until a formal autopsy is conducted. Despite the ongoing legal issues, another funeral has been scheduled for today, with burial expected.