Martin Anderson Update: Dr. Siebert

Dr. Charles Siebert ruled that Martin Anderson did not die from a beating by nine guards at a juvenile boot camp. He ruled that Anderson died from a blood disorder.

Dr. Charles Siebert, who performed Anderson's autopsy, said blood tests support his findings and that Anderson's body didn't appear beaten. While standing by his determination, he said later the beating could have played a ''bit of a role'' in Anderson's death.

MSNBC has a video of the beating. Judge for yourself.

Shairi Turner, Siebert's boss was surprised by the findings. She is challenging Siebert's findings. The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America is even more surprised.

Doctor Willarda Edwards is president of the Baltimore-based association on sickle cell. She says her organization is emphatic that the death is unrelated to the sickle cell trait.

As she put it: "Attributing the death of this young man to sickle cell trait given the physical punishment he was put through does a disservice to the public and those in the sickle cell disease community."

A second autopsy will be performed on Anderson's body.

Dr Siebert's medical background is of great interest. He wrote in Donna Reed's autopsy report that she had "unremarkable" prostate gland and testicles.

"My daughter was a full-blooded woman," said Frances Terry. Apparently, the good doctor has a difference of opinion.

Reed and her husband James Terry were killed during Hurricane Ivan. The St. Petersburg Times reported that Siebert also made mistakes on James Terry's autospy. There are news reports (no link) that Siebert did not have a Florida medical licence.

Bay County has announced they are ending the boot camp program.

Related post: Florida Corrections Roundup