Oh, that's true - but if the ME can't outright state "homicide" on the manner of death - if it isn't obvious to him that someone else other than the deceased caused her death, then the police are going to be hesitant to spend a lot of time on an investigation that probably won't be prosecuted because it lacks that call by the ME.
I wish they could convene or use a grand jury for ANS, too - at this point, it's the very least we could hope for. Someone has to convince a Seminole detective to dig more. They've already told some media that they're not going to a GJ with it. I know we have a lot of FReepers who think perhaps that's a red herring statement, but I don't.
I really, really hope and pray that I'm wrong.
I've so little confidence in the ME comprehensively assessing material and evidence collected that I've taken solace in learning the police are not compelled to accept his conclusion.
Surely the investigation is being conducted by at least one 'what if' person, but I fear you're correct in that they are not likely to expend credibility without the ME's manner of death serving as a basis for that expenditure.
The slim possibility does exist that they are withholding their intent to prevent potential suspects from taking drastic measures of self defense.
I hope and pray we're wrong, too.
Instead of the big fanfare on Monday -- and the resulting round of TV interviews -- I wish Perper would convene a Coroners Inquest and LE a Grand Jury investigation.