Accounts of the Marina Habe autopsy sometimes incorrectly state that it was performed by Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner Dr. Thomas Noguchi, who also performed Sharon Tate’s autopsy.

However, the primary autopsy report, dated January 2, 1969, clearly states that the anatomical examination was conducted and documented by R. C. Henry, M.D., a Deputy Medical Examiner for Los Angeles County.¹

While Dr. Noguchi undoubtedly oversaw the operations of his office, the direct medical examination of Marina Habe’s body was the responsibility of Dr. Henry. This distinction is important for accurately understanding the medico-legal investigation into this tragic case.

Given the high-profile nature of Marina Habe’s murder, it is likely that Dr. Noguchi, as Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner, served as the primary spokesperson for the press. In such cases, the Chief Medical Examiner typically communicates key findings to the media.

The physical post-mortem investigation began with a preliminary examination report dated January 1, 1969—the day Marina’s body was discovered and the date noted on the document. This initial report was signed by a coroner’s investigator whose name is difficult to decipher, but it appears to be G. H. Greene.²

This initial examination documented early observations, including signs of rigor mortis and the liver temperature, and preceded the more comprehensive autopsy performed by Dr. Henry. Additional analyses, such as toxicology and microscopic examinations, would have been conducted separately by specialists within the Coroner’s Office.

References

1. –Marina Habe Autopsy Page 5 ↩︎
2. –Preliminary Autopsy Report ↩︎