About Us

Our Purpose

• To apply our knowledge and experience of death investigation and forensic pathology
• To perform complete and professional investigations
• To identify, document, interpret and apply scientific forensic information
• To clarify circumstances of deaths and determine their cause and manner
• To standardize, innovate and advance our profession

Our Impact

• Investigations may have a role in litigation of civil and criminal cases
• Protection of public health and safety by identifying contagious diseases
• Identification of environmental hazards at home or work and in public places
• Data collection and tracking local mortality trends such as homicides, suicides, motor vehicle crashes and drug and alcohol related fatalities

Death Investigations

The typical sequence of events are as follows:

• Our office is notified about a death.
• In some cases, we visit the scene of a death and/or fatal injury.
• We collect information regarding the decedent's history and circumstances surrounding the death, then determine whether we will accept jurisdiction and sign the death certificate.
• If our office accepts jurisdiction, the decedent is transported to our office for an autopsy or external examination, as appropriate.
• If the deceased is unidentified, our staff will take steps to make a positive identification.
• An examination is performed (external examination or autopsy) by a forensic pathologist.
• Evidence and necessary specimens are collected for further laboratory testing, including toxicology.
• Following the examination, the decedent is released, along with their personal effects, to the funeral home chosen by the next of kin.
• The death certificate is completed. In some cases, a "pending" certificate is issued to allow for additional testing and investigation.
• An official report of the findings is prepared. This will not occur until all information has been collected and decisions on cause of death have been made.
• Permanent records are kept for all cases investigated and examined. This information is available for use in criminal and civil trials, processing of insurance or worker’s compensation claims, statistical analysis, and other matters.