The news so many people have been waiting for is finally here, and this is what we're getting live off the air right now. On TV are DA Scott Ballard, Dr. Chris Spary to discuss toxicology and the doctor that actually did the autopsies.

Nancy Benoit – 3 drugs hydrocodone, hydromorphone, xanax – therapeutic level. Blood .184 (decomposition process).
Daniel Benoit – positive for xanax (elevated, not normally given to kids). Was sedated at the time he died.
Chris Benoit – xanax, hydrocodone (therapeutic range, not elevated), only steroid tetrazone - 207 micrograms per liter.

Xanax – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanax
Hydrocodone - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydromorphone

No GHB, the so-called "date rape drug" was found in any of the Benoits. Chris Benoit's testosterone was elevated as compared to a normal level, and they measured in the urine for better accuracy.

The therapeutic drugs were at a normal level and don't seem likely to have affected his behavior. With the testosterone there is conflicting data as far as rage and mental disorder - even the medical community can't agree on "'roid rage" but it's still apparent Benoit methodically killed them over the weekend, not in a sudden burst of anger. They can't discuss the crime scene as the investigation is ongoing but all evidence still points directly to the murder/suicide theory.

The needle marks on Daniel Benoit were inconclusive. Decomposition had already started and there wasn't enough urine left in his body to analyze. Chris had testosterone but no illegal steroids in his system, seemingly he had the amount one would expect for low steroid production replacemnt therapy. His testosterone to epi-testosterone ratio was elevated though (59 to 1) which they said comes from injecting testosterone directly. As for Fragile X, it's impossible to perform the tests to find if he had it or not due to no live chromosomes being available to test in Daniel.

The investigators report that they are pleased with all of WWE's cooperation.

Thanks to Dr. Keith Lipinski for the informational links on the drugs in the toxicology report and the Associated Press story which is already running based on these results, found below.

By GREG BLUESTEIN
The Associated Press
Published on: 07/17/07

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday that steroids and other drugs were found in the body of pro wrestler Chris Benoit, and prescription drugs were also found in the bodies of his wife and son.

Also found in Benoit were the drugs Xanax and hydrocodone, according to a statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The GBI said Benoit was negative for blood alcohol.

The statement said Nancy Benoit had Xanax, hydrocodone and hydromporphone in her body.

The son, Daniel Benoit had Xanax in his system, the statement said. The GBI said it could not perform tests for steroids or human growth hormones on the son because of lack of adequate amount of urine.

Xanax is an anti-anxiety drug. Hydrocodone is a painkiller.

The statement was released just before an afternoon news conference.

The test results were expected to shed more light on Benoit's last moments.

Authorities said Benoit killed his wife and 7-year-old son in their metro Atlanta home last month, placed Bibles next to their bodies and then hanged himself on the cable of a weight machine.

Anabolic steroids were found in the Benoits' gated home, leading officials to wonder if the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."

Toxicology tests were conducted on Benoit's body to determine if steroids or other drugs were present. Blood-alcohol tests also were conducted on his body, and chemical tests were conducted on the bodies of the wife and son.

Federal authorities have charged Benoit's personal physician, Dr. Phil Astin, with improperly prescribing painkillers and other drugs to two patients other than Benoit. He has pleaded not guilty.

Investigators office has also been raided Astin's office several times since the deaths, seizing prescription records and other medical documents.

Before he was charged, Astin told the AP he prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past. He would not say what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office June 22, the day authorities believe Benoit killed his wife.

Date: 07/17	1:46 PM
Views: 2,579

07/17/07: Benoit Toxicology Report Results