Sobek Was Strangled, Deputy Coroner Testifies

A deputy coroner testified Wednesday that an autopsy found foam in model Linda Sobek’s nose, throat and bronchial tubes, indicating that she had been strangled.

The testimony by Dr. James Ribe, a senior deputy coroner, during the murder trial of photographer Charles Rathbun appeared to contradict earlier defense assertions that Rathbun accidentally hit Sobek with a sport utility vehicle during a photo shoot.

Ribe also said that Sobek had bruises in the chin area, indicating the 27-year-old former Raiders’ cheerleader tried to get her assailant’s hands away from her neck.

Rathbun is accused of murdering and sexually assaulting Sobek, who disappeared Nov. 16 while the two were on a photo shoot for an auto magazine. He has pleaded not guilty to the counts of murder and sexual assault.