A naked man who gnawed on the face of a homeless drifter was under the influence of marijuana, and not the synthetic drug bath salts, it has been revealed.
Rudy Eugene was shot dead as he chewed on Ronald Poppo's face during the attack on Miami's MacArthur Causeway last month.
It had been widely believed Eugene had been under the influence of bath salts at the time of the bloody attack.
But a full toxicology report released by the Miami Dade medical examiner on Wednesday has confirmed this was not the case.
Scroll down to view the events of Miami's 'naked cannibal attack' in chronological pictures.
WARNING: Contains graphic images of death and injuries some readers may find disturbing.
SEE ALSO:
The statement, reported by NBC Miami, said: "The department's toxicology laboratory has identified the active components of marijuana.
"The laboratory has tested for but not detected any other street drugs, alcohol or prescription drugs...This includes cocaine, LSD, amphetamines (Extasy, Meth and others), phencyclidine (PCP or Angel Dust), heroin, oxycodone, Xanax, synthetic marijuana (Spice), and many other similar compounds."
A second forensic toxicology lab also confirmed the absence of bath salts.
"Within the limits of current technology by both laboratories," stated the press release from Medical Examiner Dr. Bruce Hyma, "marijuana is the only drug identified in the body of Mr. Rudy Eugene."
Armando Aguilar, president of the Miami Fraternal Order of Police, had speculated Eugene may have been on bath salts, adding users “go completely insane and become very violent.”
The drug, which is banned in many states, can cause severe agitation, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, paranoia and symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions.
It can also lead to overheating of the body, which is why so many users remove their clothing.
Poppo was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in a critical condition, but allowed two pictures of himself to be released.
The images reveal one of his eyes was lost to the attack while the other is covered by gauze. Poppo’s nose is missing and his forehead is a mass of scabs.
Doctors told the press approximately 50 per cent of his face is missing, that the patient remembers the attack, understands he is in hospital and is aware of the media coverage.
