Chesco Coroner Ends Prisoner Death Inquest, Gives New Info

WEST CHESTER, PA — A prisoner who died in Chester County prison awaiting trial for attempted homicide in a horrific child abuse case had an enlarged heart and has died of natural causes, said Chester County's Coroner on Friday as she announced an inquest into his death would not happen.

"The case is closed," said Chester County Coroner Dr. Christina VandePol in a news release Friday afternoon.

"The death of a previously healthy 34-year-old man while in custody demanded extensive investigation on our part and that is what was done," said VandePol.

"An inquest was planned, and during the pre-inquest process additional discussions were held with witnesses and we obtained the private autopsy report. As a result, I have no concern at this time for other than a natural death, the case is closed, and I will not be conducting an inquest."

The statement from the Chester County Coroner’s Office said Dimitrios Moscharis, 34, died June 18 in the Chester County Prison from sudden cardiac arrhythmia due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), the manner of death being natural.

VandePol explained results from two autopsies, one performed by a forensic pathologist for the Coroner’s Office and the other a private autopsy performed at the request of the family, were consistent. "Microscopic examination showed abnormal and damaged heart muscle. Neither autopsy found any traumatic injury contributory to the death," the report said.

A sudden cardiac death pathology consultation by Mayo Clinic Laboratories also found mild cardiomegaly and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart) as well as "focal fatty replacement in the left and right ventricles," the Coroner's statement said. Additionally, genetic testing for cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrhythmia disorders was done by Invitae through the Detect Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmia program.

The Coroner said extensive toxicological testing at both autopsies found no illicit substances or poisons. Caffeine and a non-toxic level of arsenic (12 mcg/L), consistent with dietary exposure, were present, the report said.

VandePol announced earlier in the week her office would be conducting an inquest on Oct. 21 into the death of Moscharis. VandePol said the inquest would take a comprehensive look at all the evidence and have a jury weigh in on this case before concluding an investigation and issuing a death certificate.

But on Friday VandePol released additional information and her related conclusion that the death was from natural causes.

The Chester County District Attorney's Office and the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department late on Thanksgiving Day 2020 charged Moscharis with attempted homicide and strangulation blocking nose and mouth, false imprisonment of a minor, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with serious bodily injury, and other crimes related to the alleged abuse of his girlfriend's 9-year-old daughter.

Medical professionals assessed the child's injuries to be consistent with trauma and child torture, officials said at the time. Patch has sought a report on the child's condition and was not provided information.

The Chester County Coroner’s Office is an independent agency serving the citizens and honoring the deceased of the county by investigating the facts and circumstances concerning jurisdictional deaths which have occurred within Chester County. The Office determines the cause and manner of death, the identity of the decedent, and provides notification to the legal next of kin, while exhibiting the highest degree of compassion, professionalism, and integrity.

Read related Patch stories here and here.

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