Gadhafi Died of Shot to Head: Autopsy

Pathologist will release full report to attorney general
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 23, 2011 8:32 AM CDT
Moammar Gadhafi Autopsy: Leader Died of Gun Shot to Head
A man photographs the body of Moammar Gadhafi on a mattress in a commercial freezer at a shopping center in Misrata, Libya, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011.   (David Sperry)

Little surprise here, but an autopsy has concluded that Moammar Gadhafi died of a gunshot to the head. The report was conducted today by Libya's chief pathologist amid international concern over the circumstances of the strongman's death, in light of widespread images of a bloodied but alive Gadhafi taken after his capture. The coroner would not comment further on Gadhafi's final moments, but will file his official report with the attorney general.

Gadhafi's death and indecision over what to do with his body are casting something of a shadow over Libya on what was to be a joyous day, notes the AP: The NTC is set to declare the country's liberation and a formal end to civil war in just hours. But some Libyans are thankful for a definite coda to the 42-year regime. "If he (Gadhafi) was taken to court, this would create more chaos, and would encourage his supporters," says a Tripoli pizza shop owner. "Now it's over." Click for more on Gadhafi's death. (More autopsy stories.)

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