Amtrak murder trial reveals expert testimony confirms woman found dead on train was suffocated.
In a significant development in a long-standing murder case, expert testimony revealed that Marina Placensia, a 28-year-old woman who died during an overnight Amtrak trip in 2016, was definitively suffocated. This revelation came during the trial of her boyfriend, 43-year-old Angelo Mantych, who faces charges of first-degree murder. Dr. Bill Smock, a noted forensic expert specializing in asphyxia cases, categorically stated that the cause of death was homicide, emphasizing that Placensia perished due to the inability to breathe, a grim assertion that frames the nature of the crime against her.
Placensia, Mantych, and their four children embarked on the Amtrak train from Wisconsin on August 30, 2016, heading toward Denver. Upon arrival at the Union Station, authorities found Placensia unresponsive in her seat. Mantych recounted to investigators that he had attempted to rouse her, describing her as a heavy sleeper. However, evidence presented in court depicted a far more troubling scenario. Witnesses reported that she was discovered slumped in her seat, her bra uncomfortably pushed up, and her body marked by numerous bruises and wounds. An autopsy subsequently uncovered 35 distinct injuries, including contusions, broken ribs, and signs of internal bleeding—visible indicators of severe physical trauma.
Testimonies from family and friends painted a picture of a tumultuous relationship marked by emotional and physical abuse, which Mantych allegedly inflicted not only on Placensia but also on their children. Amidst her struggles, family members had reportedly arranged to pick up Placensia and her children in Denver to support her in leaving Mantych. Unfortunately, Mantych was purportedly aware of this plan, leading to threats of violence should she attempt to leave.
Initially, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner could not conclusively determine the cause of death, resulting in the case growing cold for several years. However, Dr. Smock’s involvement revitalized the investigation, as he noted critical signs indicative of a struggle. The positioning of her bra and an observed imprint on her lip corroborated a violent confrontation, and additional details revealed that there was a brief window of approximately 90 seconds where Placensia lost consciousness after her air supply was compromised.
As the trial unfolds, Placensia’s family expresses relief that justice may finally be forthcoming. Her brother, Christopher Medina, emphasized Placensia’s dedication as a mother and her struggle to provide for her children, describing her as a hardworking individual whose life was tragically cut short under harrowing circumstances. This case not only underscores the tragic implications of domestic violence but also highlights the complexities inherent in proving such cases in a court of law. The outcome of the trial remains closely monitored by the community and advocates for victims of domestic abuse.
