Amy Inita Joyner-Francis (16) - murdered by fellow Negro students at Howard high school of Technology - Doctors dispute Delaware student's cause of death

PHOTO: Amy Inita Joyner-Francis

WILMINGTON, Del. — When prosecutors announced charges against three high school students in the death of Amy Inita Joyner-Francis this week, their decisions were based on an autopsy report showing Joyner died from sudden cardiac death.

The 16-year-old Joyner-Francis was jumped in a girl's bathroom at Howard high school of Technology, and Delaware's medical examiner determined a pre-existing heart condition was triggered by the assault.

One of the girls was charged with criminally negligent homicide, while the other two were charged with criminal conspiracy.

In the days since, four cardiologists with national reputations say it is highly unlikely for the heart defect to have caused Joyner-Francis’ death.

"Atrial septal defect is not a cause of sudden death," said Dr. Samuel Gidding, chief of cardiology for Nemours/A.I duPont Hospital for Children.

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