Jacks Children Positively ID’d, Deaths Ruled Homicide

This morning, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced that the four daughters of Banita Jacks have been identified. One, Brittany Jacks, was identified through dental records; the other three—Tatiana Jacks, N’Kiah Fogle, and Aja Fogle—were ID’d through DNA analysis.

Still undetermined, however, causes of death and times of death. According to the press release (in full after the jump), “A final ruling on the time of death can not be determined until the entomology report is finalized.”

Government of the District of Columbia
Executive Office of the Mayor

For Immediate Release CONTACT: Dena Iverson
February 20, 2008

Investigation to Determine Identities and Cause of Death in Jacks Family Case Completed

WASHINGTON, DC – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Marie Pierre-Louis announced the cause of death and identification of the four daughters of Banita Jacks. While assumed to be the daughters of Jacks, the medical examiner’s office officially confirmed their identities using DNA tests and dental records. Brittany Jacks, was identified through her dental records. Tatiana Jacks, N’Kiah Fogle, and Aja Fogle, were all identified through DNA comparisons with their mother. The paternity for three of the four girls has also been determined.

“As we complete the investigation into the tragic deaths of these four girls, we will continue to move as fast as humanly possible to bring closure for the families of Brittany, Tatiana, N’Kiah and Aja,” said Fenty.

Following extensive testing and toxicology reports, the medical examiner has ruled that the cause of death is undetermined, with the manner of death being ruled a homicide in all cases. All toxicology reports were negative. A final ruling on the time of death can not be determined until the entomology report is finalized. The death certificates for the four girls were signed this morning and the family members were notified.

The bodies of the four girls cannot be released to the family until the public defender has had the opportunity to obtain its own expert opinion on the manner of death and identification. Mayor Fenty has committed to assist in arrangements and to help defray the cost of any funeral for the four girls using constituent services funds, but is awaiting direction from the family.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 at 1:07 pm and is filed under Adrian Fenty, Crime. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.