Topic: Medical Examiner

Medical examiner reports revealed that several Branch Davidians died from gunshot wounds to the head and chest rather than fire, with some shot in the back. Findings indicate that children also died from gunshot wounds and, in one instance, a stabbing. These deaths occurred despite a 51-day period where law enforcement did not fire a single round into the compound.

Law enforcement procedures dictate that every major event is followed by an after-action report to evolve future tactics. In the Waco case, medical examiner reports were used to map the placement of corpses within the ruins to understand the final moments of the occupants. This evaluation process is intended to help law enforcement learn from both successful and tragic outcomes.

Footage captured by a German news crew from 2.5 miles away provided live documentation of the 1993 Waco siege, showing the only nine survivors exiting the front of the chapel. Allegations suggest Delta Force operators in armored personnel carriers fired upon individuals attempting to flee the back of the building. Reports from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner and the Texas Rangers noted bodies crushed by tank treads and the discovery of sniper shell casings, including .223 and .308 rounds, at federal sniper positions designated Sierra 1 and Sierra 2.