Mysterious Death of Japanese Man Turns Body Black
An autopsy on E. C. Kimoto, a Japanese laborer who died suddenly, reveals a puzzling blackening of the body and missing money, prompting a chemical analysis.
An autopsy was held yesterday afternoon by Coroner Askam at Butterworth's undertaking rooms on the body of E. C. Kimoto, a Japanese, who died suddenly under peculiar circumstances Saturday night. An analysis of the contents of the stomach will be made today. Another extraordinary thing about the case is that the body turned black.
It was also learned that the dead man had $10 when he left Blakeley. He did not have any money when examined by the officers. Capt. Newhall's crew had worked for a long time, was in the city yesterday. The captain and crew will defray the expenses of the funeral.
“"Another extraordinary thing about the case is that the body turned black."”
This case highlights the vulnerability of immigrant laborers in early Seattle, whose deaths could go unexplained and whose small savings could vanish without a trace. Today, forensic science and immigrant rights advocacy aim to ensure justice and dignity for all workers.
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