NBI conducts own autopsy on Bree Jonson

Breana “Bree” Jonson posts a rare picture of herself on Instagram. Image from IG / @breejonson

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has conducted its own autopsy of young artist Breana “Bree” Jonson’s body on Thursday as it began its parallel investigation.

NBI Deputy Director and Spokesman Ferdinand Lavin said the autopsy was conducted upon the request of Jonson’s family.

Jonson was found unconscious in a bed at a room in Flotsam & Jetsam Resort in San Juan, La Union on Saturday and was later declared dead in a hospital. Julian Ongpin, son of business magnate Roberto Ongpin, was her last companion.

“We already did, started around 2 am and concluded around 7am today,” Lavin told reporters when asked if the autopsy had already been conducted.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) crime laboratory also conducted an autopsy on her last Tuesday.

Citing PNP crime laboratory, Police Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, chief of the Ilocos Police Regional Office, said that Jonson died of asphyxia, or impaired breathing, and was positive for cocaine.

Lavin, however, said that the specimen they have retrieved will be examined and they will also ask PNP other pieces of evidence.

“Not yet, specimen taken this morning will be subjected for laboratory examinations, will also ask PNP to share with us other pieces of evidence as they were the first responders at the scene of the crime,” Lavin said.

“Crime Scene Investigation Team (Forensics) motored to La Union this morning to process the crime scene thereat,” he added.

Jonson’s camp requested for another autopsy after the police said that except for her neck, the entire body is free of wounds. Police also recovered a cat chain in the room, according to Peralta.

The family of the 30-year old painter, however, banked on the initial medico-legal report of Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center which showed signs of struggle.

Police said that Ongpin told them that Jonson killed herself, which was disputed by Bree’s mother, Sally.

RELATED STORY: 

WATCH: PNP shows CCTV footage moments before Jonson was found unconscious

BI issues lookout order against Julian Ongpin in Bree Jonson case 

EDV