LAPD clarifies release of the autopsy report in Christopher Wallace murder investigation NR12560as

Los Angeles: Today the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division clarified yesterday’s release of the Coroner’s report on the death of Christopher Wallace, AKA Biggie Smalls.

Detectives assigned to the case continue to seek additional information and clues to the homicide that occurred in 1997.  The decision to release the autopsy report was done as an investigative tool, in the hopes that releasing the report would stimulate additional interest or bring forth witnesses or clues in the case.

Due to an administrative error, the autopsy report was released prematurely.  Robbery-Homicide Division detectives had intended to notify Mr. Wallace’s family prior to releasing the report.

"Our detectives personally spoke with the Wallace family last night, and apologized for not notifying them prior to the release" said Captain Billy Hayes, Commanding Officer of Robbery-Homicide Division.  "Obviously this has been a challenging case for us to solve.  We hope that witnesses or other people with information will come forward and give us the clues we need to solve this case.

In most cases the results of the autopsy are released shortly after the Coroner has completed their investigation.  In a rare number of instances, especially in some high-profile investigations, the autopsy results are held while the case is under investigation.

The Christopher Wallace homicide is still under active investigation by the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division, Cold Case Unit.  

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Detectives at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.