The railing is 50" high approximately, only a few inches wide, and George is 6'4" high.
A photo of the blood on the overhang, has the appearance, of something drug across or through the blood, such as a body being dragged off, or sliding off the overhang. There is an area in the image, where the blood is dense, there is a small circle, such as where a wound would be. Had that wound been on the front side of George, and he grabbed it, it would also explain the bloody handprint found as well.
There was a bloody spot the size of a fist on a towel in George's restroom, bloody tissues were found in the cabin, and a small blood spot on the sheet, the size of a finger print. There was also a report of a small amount of blood on a rug. If George had been attacked explaining that wound look in the blood on the photograph, the blood in the restroom would have to be left there by the attacker. Surely the attacker wouldn't allow George to clean up before he was thrown overboard.
Margarita Chaves, the same passenger who claimed to have seen Mrs. Smith kick Mr. Smith, claimed to have spoken to Josh Askin, who reportedly said to her, "The room service is what saved us."
Dr Henry Lee took samples on the ship, and found biological evidence on the balcony, that had been over looked. Dr. Lee says, "Biological evidence basically involve blood, serum and bodily fluid. But those evidence I cannot discuss right now because this is an active investigation."
UPDATE: JUNE 30,2006
On June 29, 2006 a lawsuit was filed by the Smith family. The lawsuit says "The cruise line deliberately and intentionally portrayed the incident as an accident, and hampered a full-blown, appropriate investigation into the facts and circumstances of George A. Smith's death," the lawsuit states.
Royal Caribbean delayed reporting the incident to the FBI, deciding instead to report the case to Turkish authorities knowing they would be unable to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Miami, said Brett Rivkind, the attorney for Smith's sister and parents.
Smith's famly have hired Stamford private investigator Vito Colucci to investigate their son's disappearance
Widow Jennifer Hagel Snith Settles With RCCI
Only a few hours later, Royal Caribbean Cruises announced it had reached a settlement with his George Allen Smith's widow, Jennifer Hagel Smith. "We have done our best to assist Jennifer through the tragic events involving the disappearance of her husband," Goldstein said. "She has handled herself well under the most trying of circumstances and we applaud her constructive approach to resolving this matter -- so much so that our company will also match a contribution by Ms. Hagel Smith to a charity of her choosing.
Hagel Smith attorney James Walker said he and Hagel-Smith are convinced that there are passengers who were criminally involved in her husband's disappearance. Royal Caribbean has promised in its settlement to give her unfettered access to information, such as vessel logs, video and passenger statements of what they heard, saw and did during the hours of Smith's disappearance. Walker and Hagel Smith say the settlemet was the fast way for them to get access to information that could help them solve the case.
This settlement was reached, while the FBI are still investigation the case.
Greenwich probate court must approve the settlement, deciding if the settlement is in the best interests of the estate. The Smiths have said through their lawyer that they intend to object.
Update: July 12, 2006
Witness Josh Askin, one of the four men to be last seen with George Allen Smith, one who said they 'tucked George into bed, then left", has filed a civil suit against Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL), alleging invasion of privacy, causing emotional distress, false imprisonment and breach of contract.
The suit is asking for a minimum of $15,000 in damages. The suit was filed in Miami, Florida. This is the third suit filed against RCCL related to this case, so far.
Update: August 4, 2006
In a routine move in court, lawyers for Royal Caribbean Cruise Inc, filed a motion to dismiss, in the civil lawsuit against the cruise line, brought by the family of George Allen Smith IV.
The cruise line calls the lawsuit false and frivolous allegations, saying they were thanked by the FBI for their assistance in the case.
The family alleges the cruise line delayed reporting the incident to the FBI, didn't preserve the crime scene, deliberately portrayed the incident as an accident.
Update: October 16, 2006
Judge Jon I. Gordon granted a motion today to dismiss the lawsuit filed by the family of George Allen Smith IV, faulting Royal Caribbean International its handling of the case.
"It's a setback, of course, but it's not the end," maritime lawyer Brett Rivkind told Greenwich Time Thursday. "The Smith family isn't discouraged. Whether the Smith family won or lost, the issue is going to be decided in an appellate court."
Update: January 4, 2007
Jennifer Hagel Smith gets a settlement from Royal Caribbean Cruise International for ONE MILLION dollars. The money will be paid to the estate of George Allen Smith IV. The courts still have to approve the settlement. The investigation into her husband's death continues. But, in the settlement RCCI has said they will show the widow all the evidence they have in the case. Royal Caribbean denies any wrongdoing and does not admit to any liability.
George Allen Smith IV
Missing Passenger On Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines - July 5, 2005
