Expert: Carradine not a suicide

LOS ANGELES - The forensics expert hired by David Carradine's family has concluded that the "Kung Fu" actor did not commit suicide, but said that more information was needed from Thai investigators before the cause of death could be determined.

Carradine's brothers, Keith and Robert, each read part of a prepared statement to reporters yesterday. In their first appearance since their older brother was found hanging in a Bangkok hotel-room closet last week, they thanked supporters and asked for privacy.

"This is a devastating loss for our family and we greatly appreciate the compassion pouring in from all over the world," Keith Carradine said.

They also released a statement by Dr. Michael Baden of New York that indicated a second autopsy determined that Carradine hadn't killed himself.

"However, to reach a final determination as to the cause and the manner of death we must wait for further information from Thailand as to the scene findings and the completion of the crime laboratory and toxicology studies that are still being performed," Baden's statement said.

Reached by phone after the morning briefing, Baden didn't elaborate on how suicide had been ruled out. *