Under Title 19, Chapter 43, Section 194301 of the Idaho Code. The Coroner, as soon as she is informed that a person in her county has died: As a result of violence, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal or accidental, or A) Under Suspicious or unknown circumstances, or B) When not attended by a physician during his/her last illness and the cause of death cannot be certified by a physician, shall go to place of death and take charge of the body. An investigation into the events leading up to the person´s death shall commence in cooperation with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Coroner may authorize an autopsy to be performed by a licensed physician to aid in accurately and scientifically determining the cause and manner of death. The Coroner shall also prepare a written report of the factual information gathered during the course of such an investigation.
The Coroner may use many different methods when determining the cause and manner of death. This includes medical records from physicians, hospitals, and other health care facilities. Federal Code concerning protected health information specifically indicates that protected health information can be disseminated to Coroners for the purpose of aiding an investigation into the cause and manner of death and to assist in the identification of a deceased. Although these records are placed in the case file, they are not subject to public view.
Per Idaho Code, Title 19, Chapter 43, Section 194301B, the coroner may authorize an autopsy without consent of the next of kin. The forensic autopsy includes a detailed external examination, surgical examination, X-rays, and collection of tissue and bodily fluids. Tissues are prepared and examined microscopically by a forensic pathologist. Bodily fluids are submitted to one or more laboratories locally and throughout the United States for analysis for the detection and quantization of alcohol, prescription or illicit drugs, or poisons. Cultures may also be prepared for determining viral or bacterial diseases. The results are reviewed by the forensics pathologist to aid in determining the cause of death.
Death certificates are prepared by the funeral home. Once the investigation is complete, the Coroner will record and certify the death certificate to reflect the cause and manner of death. This information will then be transmitted to the State of Idaho, Department of Vital Statistics. The Coroner does not issue death certificates to the general public. Death certificates are only available from the State of Idaho, Department of Vital Statistics.
Under Idaho Code, the Coroner, if she has reasonable grounds and at her discretion, may conduct an inquest into the manner of death of a person. The Coroner will summon six (6) persons qualified by law to serve as jurors to appear before her to hold said inquest. Jurors shall hear sworn testimony of factual information by witnesses called by the Coroner, review photographs, reports and documents to determine the manner of death. The decision of the Coroner´s inquest is final and not subject to appeal.
The Latah Coroner´s Office in conjunction with law enforcement may collect personal property that is determined to be evidentiary value for safe keeping. Real property, such as residential dwellings, buildings, or automobiles are sealed or secured until the legal next of kin is identified. In most cases, property determined not to be of value to the investigation, will be turned over to legal next of kin. Prescription medications or contraband will be disposed, destroyed or turned over to law enforcement officials.
Reports generated by Latah County Coroner´s Office are subject to public view only after the conclusion of the investigation. These reports are available upon written request, and appropriate fees are forwarded. These reports do not include protected health information and reports or documents obtained from other agencies.
Contrary to popular belief, visual identification by family or friends is not usually necessary. Many methods are used to identify remains by the Coroner's Office. In most cases, photographic identification is all that is required. Occasionally, other methods such as fingerprints, tattoos, jewelry, X-rays are utilized for positive identification. We understand that family may want to view their loved one as soon as possible. It is recommended that this be done at the funeral home facility. We will work with funeral homes to insure this can be accomplished as quickly as possible.
The Latah County Coroner´s Office supports the efforts by various organ and tissue donation organizations. We will make every effort to accommodate the wishes of families to donate. The Coroner will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the death and determine if donation can proceed. The Coroner may consult with the Prosecuting Attorney of Latah County, if needed.
Law enforcement responds to all emergency calls and are often the first to arrive on scene. Their experience, training and resources that are available to them enable the coroner to carry out as complete of an investigation as possible.
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