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Board asks civil counsel to pursue missing autopsy records tied to five pending death certificates
Summary
County officials reported five pending death certificates linked to a nonresponsive medical examiner and said civil counsel will pursue remedies, including potential contempt filings, after subpoenas were ignored. One family has waited since October 2024 for finalization.
County staff and commissioners told the board they have five pending death certificates for which records from an external medical examiner have not been produced. Staff said the examiner's office ignored a subpoena and appears to have dissolved, leaving families waiting: one family has had a pending certificate since October 2024.
Legal counsel told the board they have filed a lawyer complaint and asked for guidance on next steps. Commissioners agreed by consensus to pursue legal options, including asking civil counsel to explore show-cause or contempt remedies if records cannot be produced. One commissioner suggested pursuing court remedies to compel compliance if necessary.
The board directed civil counsel to report back on possible next steps and to proceed with filings if counsel advises that litigation or contempt proceedings are appropriate.
