Second Autopsy Ordered In Transexual's Death

[PHILADELPHIA, PA} - The city medical examiner's office has ruled that a 47-year-old transsexual found dead on a downtown street corner was the victim of homicide but police say they aren't so sure.

Police Capt. Charles Bloom said Tuesday that he wanted a second autopsy report before concluding whether Roberta Morris, also known as Robert Morris, was murdered.

Morris, of West Philadelphia, was found early Dec. 22 lying on the ground at 16th and Chestnut streets with a fatal head injury.

Bloom said that shortly before Morris was found dead, a police officer found her asleep outside a downtown bar and offered her a ride home but she jumped out of the squad car just a few blocks later, Bloom said.

Authorities continue to search for possible witnesses who saw Morris after she left the squad car, Bloom said.