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Sen. Gelser Blum previews 'hidden homicide' bill to expand suspicious-death investigations and family access
Summary
Senator Gelser Blum previewed LC 64, proposing a 10-red-flag checklist (3 or more triggers to require a deeper autopsy/investigation), expanded records and photographic retention, and family access for independent review at their expense; the measure is modeled in part on California’s Joanna’s Law.
Senator Gelser Blum presented an informational preview of LC 64 on efforts to identify and investigate deaths that may be “hidden homicides” — deaths that initially appear to be suicide, accidents or overdoses but on closer inspection may be homicides connected to domestic violence or child abuse.
Senator Gelser Blum said the bill would adopt a red-flag approach similar to California’s Joanna’s Law, listing 10 triggers and requiring a more in-depth autopsy and investigation when at least three triggers are present. She described the changes as clarifying investigators’ ability to request autopsies and to update records requirements, including photographic records, so families seeking an independent review at their expense can obtain necessary materials. She said the bill would also require notifications to at least one adult family member other than a legally involved party so that a single legal party would not be the sole holder of information.
Gelser Blum noted the policy would not be retroactive and acknowledged some families could not participate in public testimony because cases remain active; she said the goal is to create consistent processes and improve confidence in investigations. Committee members asked procedural questions about agency checklists and training; Gelser Blum replied that California also required investigator training and that Oregon’s Department of Justice has added the red flags to its crime-victim web resources.
