Introduction
This blog is a tracking of the murder case of Brittney Gregory by Jack Fuller Jr. for those looking for information.
I had planned to cover the facts as they unfolded, piece together as much of the press and information as I can, since many of the sources of information are
either poorly linked, or disappear to archives (some paid).
At some point I still hope to get some, interviews with some of the players in this case,as well as Brittney's family and friends. I have opted not to even try up until now as I felt there were other places their attention needed to be focused.
While I tried to remain unbiased, once Fuller admitted to killing Brittney, it became impossible for me as a father of a young girl to be COMPLETELY "fair and balanced".
But despite that, all information that I uncover will be found here.
Please feel free to comment, but remain civil. (especially towards each other).
Friday, September 30, 2005
Testimony blocked in case of slain Brick teen
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 09/30/05
BY MARGARET F. BONAFIDETOMS RIVER BUREAU
TOMS RIVER — Because a medical examiner cannot be specific about what caused the death of murder victim Brittney Gregory, he will not be permitted to testify about the two most likely alternatives.
The forensic pathologist believes that 16-year-old Gregory was asphyxiated due to either suffocation or strangulation. Superior Court Judge Vincent J. Grasso ruled that the medical examiner, Dr. Hydow Park, could testify that the girl showed signs of blunt force trauma to the head (of which there was no dispute) and that she died as a result of a homicide by unspecified means.
Park testified in a pre-trial motion to suppress evidence that Gregory died of asphyxiation — a loss of consciousness and a lack of oxygen to the brain. He could not rule out strangulation or suffocation, the doctor said.
Jack Fuller, 39, of Howell is charged with the girl's murder. Fuller sat motionless during the arguments Thursday in Su-perior Court while the medical examiner reviewed pictures of Gregory, whose body was unearthed from a shallow grave after 16 days of heat and heavy rain in July 2004.
Defense attorney John O. Goins argued to suppress the testimony about strangulation or suffocation. Goins said after the hearing the motion was important to determine a timeline of events leading up to the death. Executive Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ronald F. DeLigny said he did not plan to ask the medical examiner to be more specific as to the cause of the asphyxiation during the trial scheduled for Oct. 25.
The doctor testified that Gregory may have been suffocated and it was the "most likely cause of death," but he could not say to a degree of certainty that she died of suffocation or strangulation.
Park testified that the girl had been tested to see if she had used any drugs or controlled dangerous substances and none were found.
There was a level detected of ethanol, or alcohol, expected to be present at that stage of the body's state after having been buried in the ground in Lakewood. She was found not far from Fuller's Howell home.
Park said that even if a person were to die of asphyxiation for any reason, that reason may not be clear.
Without clear signs, such as a gun shot, knife wound or ruptured artery, it is not always possible to determine the exact means of death, Park said.
Goins also asked if the girl's hyoid bone, a small bone in the throat, was intact and Park said that it was. The bone is more likely to be broken in a strangulation but it is rare and most likely would happen in an older victim, Park said.
Authorities said in previous court proceedings that the evidence includes the victim's blood found in Fuller's car; and an audiotape on which he tells a police informant he killed "a white girl from Brick" and asked the informant if 4 feet was deep enough to bury a body; and said he had to "take out" an acquaintance who knew about the body.
This article contains material from previous Press stories.
Margaret F. Bonafide; (732) 557-5740 or bonafide@app.com
