Coronado, CA (September 11, 2012) – The San Diego County Medical Examiner and Coronado Police Department have carefully reviewed documents submitted by Dina Shacknai, the mother of 6-year-old Max Shacknai, who died last year in Coronado. Based on a weeks-long review of the documents, which did not provide any new evidence, the agencies have concluded that there is no reason to change the manner of death in the case.

After reviewing the opinions expressed in documents authored by individuals retained by Dina Shacknai and her attorney and submitted for review in July, both agencies have concluded that the manner of Max Shacknai’s death will remain unchanged from the results of an intensive investigation last year that determined the death was accidental.  Dina Shacknai was provided those results on August 31.

“We feel there was insufficient information that would compel us to change the manner of death or conduct additional investigation at this time,” said Coronado Police Cmdr. Mike Lawton. 

On September 2, 2011, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Medical Examiner and Coronado Police Department announced at a news conference that the July 16, 2011, death of Max Shacknai was a tragic accident, and that the July 13, 2011, death of Rebecca Zahau was a suicide.  Rebecca Zahau was caring for Max Shacknai at the time of his accidental fall from a staircase at the family home.

The Coronado Police Department remains committed to review any new evidence brought forward in this case.  Officials will not be holding a press conference on the matter, and no further statements will be issued.

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Source:  PR from City of Coronado