(L.A.) Dean Modica, 46, Died at a Residence

Case Number: 2008-03686

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 46-year-old Caucasian male that occurred at a residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Dean Modica. Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Brookhar.

Manner of Death: Homicide

Cause of Death: Multiple Sharp Force Injuries

RIP DEAN MODICA (October 4, 1961 – May 19, 2008)

The decedent was a drug dealer stabbed with a knife. The coroner-investigator assigned to this case was McCracken, the deputy medical examiner Doctor Golden.

This case was later the subject of litigation brought forth by the defendants.

Dr. Vadims Poukens gave his opinions and observations based upon his review of the autopsy report and photographs relating to Modica.

In the photographs, Dr. Poukens observed injuries to the body that appeared to be scrapes, two stab wounds, and several cuts. He observed defensive wound scrapes on Modica’s right hand and right arm, as well as on the right lower leg, as though caused by an attempt to use his legs to block an attack while lying down. Dr. Poukens also observed two stab wounds, one on either side of the back, a superficial slash on the back, and several cuts and multiple scrapes on the right and left shoulder. Both stab wounds went through the ribs and into the right and left chest cavities, penetrating the lung and causing internal bleeding that would have been fatal.

The report included a toxicology screen which was positive for marijuana and methamphetamine. In Dr. Poukens’s opinion, the amounts found would not have contributed to Modica’s death.