Some of this information is quite graphic. I apologize to the family if this causes you any undue stress. However, I am in hopes that this will help you all in your finding out who did this to Kelly.
I want to thank my friend for turning me on to this information - Thank you - you know who you are!
http://www.enotes.com/forensic-science/drowning-signs
A forensic examiner must consider that a body recovered from water may or may not have been dead when the water was entered. If the person died in the water, there are several possible causes of death, including drowning.
It is actually difficult to prove drowning as a cause of death with 100% accuracy. The forensic pathologist cannot rely on autopsy or laboratory findings alone. Instead, the pathologist may focus on elimination of other causes for the death and on the circumstances surrounding the event.
However, the diatom test is now considered very unreliable and would never be used, on its own, as evidence of drowning.
The forensic pathologist has to rely on many other sources of evidence to determine cause of death when a body is found in water.
(more at link)
Sorry but I cannot copy and paste from this next link
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/forensicmedicine/notes/water.pdf
http://www.forensicmag.com/articles.asp?pid=66
Body Found in Water
When dealing with a body found in or near the water, the first thing to do is record information about the location. What is the water type? It may be a pond, lake, river, creek, or other. If the body of water has a name, list that as well. Note specifically the location of the body, such as the name of a cove.
Next, you want to document the location relative to other things. This can give clues as to how the body got to its present location.
Record the nearest structure over the water. Perhaps there is a bridge or train trestle. Could the body have been thrown? Could the victim have jumped? The name of the nearest road and its distance from the scene should be noted. Use observation or technology such as a GPS to measure. Record your method. Find out the location of the nearest boat ramp. There is always the possibility that the body was transported to its current location by boat.
Observe the air and water more closely. Document the temperatures of both and the depth of the water. Record if there is any current and in which direction it is flowing.
Can this help you determine where the body was put into the water? Note the condition of the water: muddy, cloudy, or clear. You may need to check with the local weather bureau to determine the time and amount of the last precipitation.
Next, record the location of the body in the water. Is the body in the water? If so, how far is it from the shore or bank? If you consider it partially in the water or on the bank, note that. Document your observations of the bank. Is it comprised of sand, rock, gravel, dirt, or grass? How high is it? Is there a large drop off? Observe the body position. Is it floating, submerged, on its back, face down, or other? The amount of time a body has spent in the water can affect its position, so this may be a critical piece of the puzzle.
As is the case with any body, no matter where it is found, record the condition of the body. This should include notes on the level of preservation of the body (preserved, decomposed, skeletal), color, and levels of lividity and rigor. Record the presence of blood, ligature marks, and whether or not anything is tied to the body. Document if the body has any clothing and jewelry. Is there any other clothing found in the area?
Divers are often called into death scenes when the body is found in or around water. Your initial observations can give them some clues as to where to search for evidence. You will want to record all pertinent information about the divers. This should include the names of the divers and their agencies. Note the date and time they went into the water and emerged. Describe any items the divers recover and their location in the water. Make sure you note which diver found which piece of evidence.
(More at link)
http://www.forensicmag.com/articles.asp?pid=220
Fascinating article - for when an autopsy may not be the most viable route for determining cause of death.
