South Carolina Woman Died of Natural Causes; Coroner Defends Husband
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher announced the cause of death for Elena Katherine Moore, who was found in June, was cardiac dysrhythmia.
The death of South Carolina fitness enthusiast Elena Katherine Moore, 39, has been ruled natural causes due to cardiac dysrhythmia with premature ventricular contractions, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher. The announcement comes nearly four months after Moore was found, ending months of speculation surrounding her disappearance.
An autopsy revealed no evidence of traumatic injuries, strangulation, or sexual assault. Toxicology tests detected alcohol but no other substances. Fisher stated that the investigation found no indications of homicide, noting that Moore's medical history and a documented mental health crisis in the days before her disappearance were considered.
The coroner also addressed questions surrounding Moore's husband, Brannon Slice, emphasizing that he was never considered a suspect or person of interest. Fisher defended Slice, stating he repeatedly sought to get Moore help for her mental health struggles.
Moore was found deceased on June 17, six days after she went missing. She had been released from an undisclosed mental health facility on June 11. Her husband had offered to pick her up, but the facility arranged for a taxi instead. The taxi took Moore to a CVS where she had previously worked, and she informed a manager that she believed the driver was stalking her. Police were called but Moore had left by the time they arrived.
Investigators reviewed medical records indicating Moore had a history of irregular heart rhythm dating back to age 14, as well as more recent documentation of cardiac arrhythmia, sinus tachycardia, and hypertension. Fisher questioned the decision to release Moore from the mental health facility despite her documented crisis.