Snipped.
Remember, that at this point in time, Dr. Peterson had stated in error that Max perhaps had been smothered. Of course that wasnt true ultimately and was disproved at his autopsy. But at this point, for all JS knew, Rebecca had hurt Max and emotions were running rampant. So rampant, of course, that a brutal murder then took place. Followed by disrespect of her body, political persuasion to quickly close the case, and a sheriff that only pursued the evidence that supported the suicide finding.
It would be interesting to see if Dr. Peterson will be deposed and the timeline ramifications of his statement. I want to be clear that the good doctor meant no harm I am sure and probably has felt remorse for his words. IMO, those words became a death sentence for Rebecca.
I'm inclined to give Dr. Peterson the benefit of the doubt as to what exactly he said. It's very hard for me to believe a professional with his reputation, at his level as PICU chief, would say something so irresponsible as what Dina has reported he said. He is an excellent and highly respected physician, by reputation and comments. And given that Dina, IMO, often exaggerates and uses hyperbole (remember the "I am a scientist" comment she made to the Coronado city council? Just one example.), my opinion is that she has twisted his explanation to make it what she wanted it to be, so she could be even more justified in her tirade of hate and revenge toward Rebecca.
I'm even more inclined to believe this, because Dina herself did not utilize Dr. Peterson in her campaign to re-open Max's accident investigation. Either he refused to help her, or she didn't even ask him, knowing that he would refuse, since she had so very publicly misrepresented what he explained to her.
It's the same thing with her "they told me Max had a heart attack" comments in the Phoenix magazine interview. That's is just beyond ridiculous, IMO, that anyone with her level of education and ability to understand medical information would describe Max's 30 min aystolic blunt head trauma cardiac arrest as a "heart attack" that preceded his fall. There is 100% no way possible that any doctors gave her anything like that kind of explanation. It's completely absurd, given the presentation-- and any health care professional would say the same.
It's my opinion that Dr. Peterson and others explained to Dina over and over what the effects of blunt head trauma with 30 min of cardiac arrest were, as to Max's possibility of survival. I think there were brain death discussions within hours of Max's admission, and I think it's highly likely that this is why Jonah's friend Dr. Luber dropped everything and flew to be at Jonah's side, to support him and help interpret the medical information they were receiving.
Dr. Peterson may have used the word "suffocation" as an example, or to explain the effects of hypoxic cerebral edema. But it's extremely difficult for me to believe he told Dina he thought Max was suffocated and tossed over the railing to make it look like a fall. I think Dina heard what she wanted to hear, to justify her previous feelings about Rebecca being at all involved in the life of her son. It was no secret that Dina had a vendetta against her before this ever happened. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
I think it's highly possible Dr. Peterson will be deposed, with regard to establishing Dina's motive to hurt Rebecca, as well as what Dina said and how she behaved in his presence.
Because Dina herself has publicly identified him as the person that gave her the "idea" that Rebecca hurt Max. I think it's
very important to find out what Dr. Peterson has to say.