Brittany Murphy Autopsy Report Leaked to TMZ, Coroner Furious

by Amy Judd | December 22, 2009 at 06:13 pm

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Brittany Murphy's autopsy report was partially published by TMZ and the Los Angeles coroner's office is looking in to how the results were leaked; Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said he is furious about what happened.

“I’m furious,” Winter said. “We don’t normally release partial information. If partial information goes out, it of course makes us look bad. Everybody ought to get it at the same time.”

TMZ published details of prescription drugs that were found in Brittany's home, and their source was also the basis for our Brittany Murphy Prescription List story, but Mr. Winter said he didn't know how the celebrity website obtained the confidential list and is concerned other reports may be leaked as well.

In TMZ's story, they cite Investigator Blacklock as the source of the notes, and the description of the events before the paramedics arrived, as well as the prescription list.

"A check of the nightstands revealed large amounts of prescription medication in the decedent's name. Also noted were numerous empty prescription medication bottles in the decedent's husband's name, the decedent's mother's name and unidentified third party names."

TMZ has not said how they obtained the report. Harvey Levin, TMZ's managing editor did tell Mr. Winter that the report did not come directly from Investigator Blacklock or the office's two main press contacts. It is thought that the report was possibly leaked to an outside agency and then TMZ.

Mr. Winter has acknowledged that prescription drugs were taken from the home, but he said he didn't know how many or what kind.

There have been no Brittany Murphy funeral arrangements announced at this time.