| WHAT WE DO |
Investigations may be as simple as a few phone calls to verify an expected death from a known terminal condition, or as complex as a thorough death scene investigation, protection of property, multiple interviews, autopsy, identification procedures, location and notification of next-of-kin, consultations with other experts, and comprehensive laboratory testing. The Initial report of a death is taken by the coroner, usually by phone. Generally, the coroner decides whether the death falls under the coroner's jurisdiction and whether a formal investigation of the death will occur. The coroner or deputy coroner usually also decides how extensive the investigation should be, varying the extent of the investigation based on the unfolding findings during the investigation. At some point during the investigation the coroner or deputy may decide an autopsy is needed. The Coroner or Deputy may make the determination to release the body from the death scene directly to a funeral home or may decide to have the body transported to the Susquehanna County Coroner's Office pending additional investigation. The investigation to determine cause and manner of death may include interviewing witnesses, friends, relatives, and health care providers. An examination of the death scene and the surroundings may also be included in the investigation to collect and preserve evidence. The investigation may also require a physical examination of the body or autopsy, and may require laboratory tests of tissue or bodily fluids. All of which may take just a few hours to many days and even months. What generally takes place at the death scene? Each scene is different, but here is some of the activities that may occur: Find out about the death: what, when, where, how, etc... Confirm death and establish time of death and date of death. Conduct interviews and obtain information. Document past & present medical history, hospitalizations, doctors, treatments, etc.... Determine identity of decedent; find out the name, address, and next of kin. Document the next of kin and their relationship. If next of kin was notified, when and by whom, who will attempt notification, or if follow-up is needed. Observe environment and examine the deceased. What are the environmental conditions (hot, cold, rainy, etc...) surrounding the body and the relationship of evidence and/or other articles or objects to the deceased ("a knife was located next to the right hand of the deceased"). What is the position of the person's body (lying on back, side, etc...), its location (yard, bedroom, etc...), and the condition of the person's body? Determine if the person was moved before we came to the scene. Did anyone try to save this person's life, if yes, and then the person was moved (sometimes all the way to the hospital). Make a preliminary examination of the deceased with particular reference to identification (tattoos) and external evidence of trauma (cuts, bruises, other marks) also determine if any injuries are a result of resuscitation effort (CPR, needle marks, etc...) Conduct a complete examination to determine estimated time of death, such as body temperature, rigidity, lividity, decomposition, climate of the immediate environment, etc. Collect and/or record evidence Observe and note all physical evidence on the person's body Insures that any medications or drugs, along with any printed/written material related to the cause of death are taken for additional examination and inventory Photograph deceased before and after examination Safeguarding of personal effects on or about the decedent Search the area, if necessary, to obtain information about the decease's next of kin or any legal documents regarding funeral/burial instructions Make a list of all personal effects (money, rings, watches, wallet, etc...) recovered from the body. In presence of police secure home/apartment and other belongings until next of kin can be located and notified of the death Removal of deceased from the scene of death By the coroner or request families funeral home for removal of the deceased Protect the deceased from bystander observation as possible Supervise proper, respectful removal from the scene Assure police and/or coroner accompanies the deceased autopsy location Request other experts to the scene if needed What happens after the scene investigation? (NOT NECESSARILY IN SEQUENCE) Each death investigation is different, but here are some of the activities that may occur: Telephone conversation with the decedent’s Doctor(s) a. Review and confirm decedents' medical history and possibly subpoena the records if necessary b. Check prescriptions records and subpoena when necessary c. Doctor to sign death certificate - referral of the case to the primary care physician to complete the death certificate d. Coroner to sign death certificate - all or parts of the following may occur......
b. Call PSP R&I and criminal investigator when necessary as to the time and location of the autopsy c. Complete Coroner’s Summary report for use at autopsy d. State Blood Kit – (If required) complete and mail within 3 days of autopsy e. Complete and sign release of body form f. Complete and sign autopsy authorization form g. Print necessary photographs for use at autopsy h. Start Personal Effects Inventory Form & complete at autopsy i. Label Body Bag with decedent's name j. Notify the Funeral Home as to the release of the body Call the family after autopsy and explain the results of the autopsy and if further testing may be necessary Complete a PENDING death certificate is necessary Approximately 5 to 7 weeks call and check on Toxicology studies results and final report Call the Criminal Investigator/Police with autopsy/toxicology results File reports with State Police is necessary Complete reports requests from other agencies, insurance companies, attorneys, etc...... Again, these are generic events and many other investigative procedures may be necessary to complete a thorough forensic death investigation. This may take weeks and sometime even months to complete. |
The Coroner works closely with the State and Local Police, Sheriff, County Detective, and also interfaces with numerous other agencies and departments (District Attorney, Public Defender, Federal Aviation Administration, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome organization, Children and Youth, State Attorney General, Center for Highway Safety, Child Death Review Team, Susquehanna County Emergency Preparedness Task Force, Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force and Forensic Pathologists to name a few. The mission of the Susquehanna County Coroner’s Office is to professionally investigate deaths occurring in Susquehanna County with respect, integrity, courtesy and consideration, in a timely manner. It further includes maintaining open lines of communication with area Hospitals; emergency services personnel, funeral homes, law enforcement agencies and the court. |
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- The Susquehanna County Coroner’s Office conducts approximately 125 death investigations each year. Of the 125 cases,
in general, there are approximately 101 natural deaths, 16 accidental deaths, 6 suicides, 1 homicide and 1 death that could
not be determined as to the manner of death. Fact is, sometimes the cause of death cannot be determined let alone the
manner of death. What everyone needs to realize is, this office deals with reality, not a one-hour sitcom or a scripted death
scene. We write the script as we go and sometimes we re-write the script several times before all the pieces of the puzzle
fit together showing the facts and circumstances surrounding the death. It is at this point and only this point in the
investigation, which may be months after the death that the death is ruled as to the cause and manner. One has to
remember it is not the coroner’s responsibility to establish who may have caused someone’s death; this is the job of the
investigating police agency to determine. Fact is, teamwork solves cases. Then it is the District Attorney who will decide as
to the extent of the charges.
Many times it is hard for the family to understand let alone believe their loved one took their own life. Many times even we
as investigators, cannot understand why things happen the way they do. You may only base a case on the facts as they
present themselves, you cannot change things to suite a certain few. You must have strong evidence or very strong
circumstances to prove otherwise.
The office conducts at least 20 autopsies each year. The coroner himself attends all autopsies along with deputies at
some of the autopsies.
The Office also authorizes an additional 115 cremations each year and receives several report requests from insurance
companies and attorneys. The coroner is subpoenaed 3 to 5 times a year for court. The coroner must be available 24/7 to
respond to calls and be available to families, police and investigators that work 3 different shifts. The coroner normally
receives telephone calls anywhere from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM from these investigators. The office is normally open from
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday - Friday. But remember as stated before, this is a working office (24/7) and sometimes
investigative duties leave the office vacant. Always call ahead to make sure someone will be in the office.