The brutality that a slain Douglas County woman suffered became more clear Friday with the release of an autopsy report showing she died with about 28 stab wounds and slashes about her head, neck and chest.

The 13 stab wounds around the front of Carmin D. Ross’ neck destroyed her airway. Many of the wounds “merged” below the surface of the skin, according to the written report by coroner Erik Mitchell.

Ross, who was found Nov. 14, 2003, on the floor in the living area of her home at 1860 East 1150 Rd., also had stab wounds to her upper back and some that perforated her lungs. She had at least eight lacerations to her head — on her temples, forehead and the back and sides of her head. Some were as long as 2 inches, according to the report.

Ross’ autopsy had been sealed for nearly 11 months as police investigated the death. Mitchell released it Friday, four days after prosecutors filed a first-degree murder charge against Ross’ ex-husband, Kansas State University English professor Thomas E. Murray.