Sheriff’s office still waiting for autopsy results

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 2:45 am

Odessa American oanews@oaoa.com

Posted on February 26, 2013

by Odessa American

The Ector County Sheriff’s Department distributed a news release Monday stating the department will continue to wait for the final autopsy results before releasing information in a case that’s captured international headlines.

Max Alan Shatto, a 3-year-old boy adopted from Russia and living in Gardendale, was transported to Medical Center Hospital at 4:49 pm. January 21, and later pronounced dead at 5:43 p.m., the news release stated. Max’s adoptive mother, Laura Shatto, told officials the child and his brother Kristopher Elvin Shatto were playing outside before he was found unresponsive.

Russian authorities have accused Max’s adoptive parents of “inhuman treatment,” claiming the toddler was abused. The case is being used by the same officials to support the country’s new law that bans American couples from adopting Russian orphans.

Officials with the U.S. Department of State have said they will wait for the final autopsy results before making future comments on the case.

Sheriff Mark Donaldson has said an investigator was present at Max’s autopsy, but declined to comment on what the investigator saw. Chief medical examiner for the Ector County Medical Examiner’s office Shirley Standefer said bruises were found on Max’s body, including his lower abdomen, but would not comment any further.

Standefer also said her office has received a preliminary autopsy report, but would not release it to law enforcement or the media. An open records request was filed by the Odessa American and Ector County has requested an opinion from the Texas Attorney General.

No one has been charged in connection to the case and numerous calls to the Shatto residence have not been returned.

Follow Odessa American on twitter @OdessaAmerican, like us on Facebook at Odessa American or call 432-333-7714 for the main newsroom line.