[smoothsailing]

AW, this is the only source I've found that contains the actual complete text of the ME's official news release:

ME says Wheeler death caused by blunt force trauma after an assault

The State Medical Examiner says that John Wheeler, whose body was found on New Years Eve at the Cherry Island Landfill in New Castle County died as a result of blunt force trauma after he was assaulted. Wheeler, a former Pentagon official who was instrumental in the creation of the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial, was reportedly seen just days before his body was found seemingly disoriented and wandering around Wilmington with no coat and carrying one of his shoes.

NEWS RELEASE: MEDICAL EXAMINER RELEASES CAUSE OF DEATH IN WHEELER CASE
Homicide victim died of blunt force trauma

WILMINGTON – The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner today announced that John P. Wheeler, III, whose body was found December 31, 2010 at the Cherry Island Landfill in Wilmington, died as a result of blunt force trauma after being assaulted.

Any further inquiries regarding the case should be directed to the Newark Police Department and the Delaware Department of Justice.

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

I think I read too much into “after an assault” earlier. I thought it described 2 events. It differentiates blunt force trauma caused by an assault from blunt force trauma caused by being hit by a car, a fall, landing in a compactor, etc.

IOW, a homicide. We were focused on a head injury trying to explain his behavior.It is possible the injuries from the assault were not to the head, but to the abdomen. I have heard it is possible to beat someone without leaving visible injuries. I would imagine it is a earned ‘skill’ which takes us back to was this some sort of hit?