The wife of a prominent criminal defense lawyer fought back before her attacker beat her to death as she lay face down on the floor, according to a coroner's report.

The body of Pamela Vitale, 52, was found Oct. 15 by her husband, Daniel Horowitz. A 17-year-old neighbor has been charged with murder in the case.

The report details extensive scratches and bruises on Vitale's hands and arms and bones in her left hand were broken -- all indicative of a struggle. Her body was found wearing a white, short-sleeved T-shirt, black skirt, purple underwear and white socks. The skirt had been pulled up around her hips. Evidence to determine whether she was sexually assaulted was collected, but those results weren't listed in the autopsy report.

She was covered with blood, lying in a pool of blood and colored pottery fragments were found in her hair, according to the Oct. 17 report.

Vitale's head was covered with 26 cuts, likely produced by multiple objects, and her nose was fractured. A carpet pattern on her chin prompted the pathologist to conclude in the report that she was beaten while face down on the floor.

She also suffered a four-inch deep stab wound to her abdomen; it was inflicted just before or just after she died, the report said.

The killer also carved deep cuts into her lower back in an H-shape, with each line measuring about four inches long, the report said.

Vitale's body was found in the trailer where she and her husband lived while their dream home was being built on their Lafayette estate.

Scott Dyleski, who's being held in lieu of $1 million bail, has pleaded not guilty. He's due back in court Dec. 8.

This is a police state and this kid is getting railroaded!!!