Autopsy reports say deaths of Topeka mother and son were homicide and suicide

Topekan Shyla Goracke — accused in the June stabbing death of her son, 9-year-old Zerick Ozuna, and hospitalized immediately afterward — subsequently died of suicide from "complications of acetaminophen toxicity," her autopsy report says.

Goracke, 29, had prior histories of psychosis, "homicidal ideation," "suicidal ideation" and ingesting large quantities of Tylenol, which is an acetaminophen, said the report from an autopsy completed by Maneesha Pandey.

The 4-foot-11, 104-pound Goracke also suffered a quarter-inch, vertical, non-fatal stab wound to her left chest, the report said. It didn't specify how that was inflicted.

Shawnee County Clerk Cyndi Beck's office on Wednesday provided The Capital-Journal copies of autopsy reports for Goracke, who died June 24, and Zerick, who died June 20.

The 4-foot-4, 57-pound Zerick's death was a homicide and resulted from his suffering two stab wounds to the chest, said the report from his autopsy, conducted by Alan Martinez.

Zerick's grandmother found him unresponsive in his bed and covered with blood, the report said.

What happened?

Zerick died at the scene after Shawnee County Sheriff's deputies were called late the morning of June 20 to a house just south of Lake Sherwood at 3911 S.W. Worwick Town Road, said Deputy Abigail Christian, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office.

Goracke was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a Topeka hospital, then transferred later to a Kansas City, Missouri, hospital, where she died, Christian said.

Goracke died at 8:57 p.m. June 24, her autopsy report said.

Goracke's body bore many bruises, which may have been a result of her receiving medical intervention, including CPR, the autopsy report said.

It indicated she also had acute liver failure.

Zerick's autopsy report said that in addition to his stab wounds, he suffered scrapes to his head and neck and a bruise to his left shin.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Autopsy reports say deaths of Topeka mother and son were homicide and suicide