The current Shawnee County Coroner is Justin J. Dandurand. He is a Coroner Investigator with the Shawnee County Coroner’s Office and has held the position since 2018. Prior to joining the Coroner’s Office, he was a Patrol Deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office for nine years.
Dandurand holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminalistics from Eastern Michigan University and is a graduate of the Certified Investigator Professional (CIP) program. In addition, he is a member of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IAC&ME) and the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).
Furthermore, Mr. Dandurand is certified by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. His strong forensic experience, educational background, and professional certification make him well qualified to serve as the Shawnee County Coroner.
What are the differences between Coroners and Medical Examiners?
Coroners and Medical Examiners are both responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in cases where a death is unnatural, suspicious or due to unknown causes. Despite this primary responsibility, there are several differences between them.
The major difference between Coroners and Medical Examiners is their qualifications. Coroners are often elected officials with no special medical training. Medical Examiners are typically professionally trained physicians, who have expertise in pathology and forensic medicine.
To be qualified as a Medical Examiner, the individual must obtain specialized training from the American Board of Pathology.
Another difference between Coroners and Medical Examiners are the powers they have to investigate death cases. Medical Examiners have the legal authority to choose which deaths to investigate and can legally order autopsies and other tests related to that case.
However, Coroners are limited to conducting investigations in cases where a death certificate or death report has not yet been issued.
Finally, while both Coroners and Medical Examiners can testify in court regarding their investigations, only Medical Examiners have the legal authority to declare a death unnatural or certify a death cause.
This makes a Medical Examiner’s findings much more evidence when presented in a court of law.
How do I get an autopsy report in Kansas?
In Kansas, the autopsy report is a confidential document and will only be released by request from the legal next of kin. To get an autopsy report in Kansas you must make a request through the county coroner where the autopsy was performed.
The request should include the following items to help facilitate the processing of your request:
– Name of the deceased
– Date of death
– Location where the death occurred
– Name and contact information of the legal next of kin
Once the request is received, the county coroner will contact the legal next of kin to obtain authorization to release the autopsy report. When the report is available, you will be notified and asked to provide a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID card.
After providing valid identification, the coroner’s office will provide a copy of the autopsy report. Please note that there may be a cost associated with obtaining an autopsy report from the county coroner.
How powerful is a coroner?
A coroner is a powerful individual in the criminal justice system with the duty of determining the official cause and manner of death of an individual. The coroner has the power to issue subpoenas, summon witnesses, and to order investigations into the death of the individual.
Depending on the jurisdiction the coroner may have the power to order an autopsy and make determinations about the death and official causes of death of an individual, sometimes even when a death certificate has already been issued by a physician.
The coroner can even sometimes enter a death scene and secure evidence. In many places, a coroner is responsible for the safekeeping of any evidence obtained and must make sure it is not tampered with or removed.
In some localities, a coroner also has the authority to issue a death certificate if the official cause of death can be determined by examination at an autopsy or other forensic evidence. The coroner’s findings are often used as evidence in criminal proceedings in order to prove a cause of death.
Ultimately, the power of a coroner largely depends on the laws and regulations of the locality in which they work. In some locations, a coroner may not have such extensive powers. In these cases the coroner may be limited to simply determining a cause of death, while the power to order an autopsy or other investigation usually rests with the district attorney or other government officials.
What are the 5 manners of death?
The five manners of death are: natural, accident, homicide, suicide, and undetermined death.
Natural death is the passing of a person due to an illness or old age. Accidental death is caused by an external event not under the control of the deceased such as a car accident or drowning. Homicide is the death of a person by the act of another person, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Suicide is when a person dies by their own hand, either intentionally or unintentionally. Finally, undetermined death is when a medical examiner or coroner is unable to determine the manner of death after conducting an investigation.
What are 3 things that must be determined upon a person’s death?
Upon a person’s death, three important things must be determined. First, the estate must be identified and the will, if any, filed with the probate court. Second, any property of the deceased must either be sold to pay debts or transferred to heirs according to the will.
Lastly, taxes must be paid on the estate of the deceased in accordance with the applicable laws. This might include filing and paying the final state and federal taxes as well as any estate taxes due.
Why is a body block placed under a body before an autopsy?
A body block is typically placed underneath a body before an autopsy for the purpose of positioning it during the examination. The body block is made of foam and provides a stable surface for the body, so it is not injured during the procedure by any sharp edges or other material.
Furthermore, the body block helps to keep the body in an upright position, which is necessary for the proper examination of the body and for lifting it during the autopsy. Additionally, placing a body block beneath the body allows for greater maneuverability and access to different parts of the body, which is beneficial for the autopsy process.
Finally, the body block provides a standard working area that ensures consistent results and accuracy in the examination.
What are 3 things that a person can do to prepare for death?
1. Make a Plan: Creating an advanced directive or will can give you peace of mind that your final wishes are clear and that your family and friends are aware of them. It will also ensure that they understand your wishes regarding funeral arrangements and other matters.
2. Talk About It: Talking openly and honestly about death can be extremely beneficial for both yourself and those you care about. Sharing your feelings and fears will help you to feel less alone, and will help others understand what you are going through and how to best provide emotional support.
3. Practice Self-Care: Self-care is essential at all stages of life, but especially when you are preparing to die. Take time to let yourself be present, to connect with nature, to ground yourself and to be mindful of the good memories that you’ve made in your lifetime.
Practicing self-care will help to alleviate fear and distress and can provide a sense of connection in your final days.
Is a medical examiner the same as a coroner UK?
No, a medical examiner is not the same as a coroner in the United Kingdom. A coroner is an appointed legal official responsible for investigating certain types of death, including those of an unnatural or suspicious nature.
They will often hold an inquest to look into the cause of death and then make a verdict. Coroners are typically lawyers or medical doctors.
A medical examiner, on the other hand, is a pathologist that performs autopsies and other tests in order to research the cause and manner of a person’s death. Medical examiners are typically physicians, but they can also be individuals with specific experience in pathology, toxicology, and forensic sciences.
In the UK, the role of medical examiner is played by a Home Office approved coroner who investigates certain types of deaths such as those considered sudden and unexpected or deaths in custody or police involvement, or where there is a dispute between medical practitioners over the cause of death.
In summary, a coroner is a legal official, usually a lawyer or doctor, who investigates unnatural or suspicious deaths, and ultimately makes a verdict based on the facts gathered. A medical examiner, on the other hand, is a pathologist who performs research in order to determine the cause and manner of death, although in the UK this role is usually undertaken by a Home Office approved coroner.
What are the 3 responsibilities of a medical examiner?
The three primary responsibilities of a medical examiner (also known as a forensic pathologist) are determining a cause of death, performing autopsies, and testifying in court.
Regarding the determination of a cause of death, medical examiners must use the available evidence in examining a deceased individual’s body in order to make a forensic determination as to how the person died.
This can involve analyzing external/internal physical evidence, toxicological/biochemical analysis of bodily fluids, as well as imaging studies (e. g. X-ray, CT scans, etc. ).
Autopsies, a detailed examination of the body, are often required to confirm the cause of death and are typically performed by a medical examiner. They involve the dissection of a body to observe any pertinent anatomical features and evidence of trauma, as well as collecting any tissue for pathological evaluation.
Lastly, medical examiners are often asked to provide their professional opinion on the cause of death when testifying in court. During this time, they may be required to explain in detail the manner and cause of death as well as any other scientific medical facts related to the case.
Do some states have both medical examiners and coroners?
Yes, some states do have both medical examiners and coroners. The differences between medical examiners and coroners depend on the state in which a death occurs, as each state has its own laws about who is responsible for handling death investigations.
Generally speaking, however, medical examiners are appointed to their positions and are typically required to be board-certified physicians. Coroners, on the other hand, are typically elected officials who are not required to have any specific medical training.
Medical examiners have the authority to determine the cause of death and order further tests if needed, while coroners’ authority is limited to determining whether an autopsy should be performed and conducting inquests.
In some states, medical examiners handle all types of death investigations, while others reserve certain types of investigations (such as suicides, homicides, or suspicious deaths) for coroners.
How long does it take to get autopsy results after someone dies?
The time frame for obtaining the results of an autopsy can vary depending on a number of factors. If a case is not so complex or if there are no further questions that need to be answered during the autopsy, then usually it can take as little as a few weeks or even days to receive the results.
However, in more complicated cases it often takes a significantly longer amount of time in order to have enough information to accurately assess the cause of death. Additional factors that can affect the time frame of obtaining autopsy results include the backlog of other cases that the medical examiner is responsible for, how detailed the autopsy needs to be, and if there is enough evidence for a ruling on some aspects of the case.
Therefore, overall it can generally take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to receive autopsy results after someone dies.
Can family see the autopsy report?
In general, the family of the deceased individual can see the autopsy report after it has been completed, but it’s important to noting that access to the report is subject to state laws. Depending on the state, privacy laws may prevent the family from obtaining the report until certain legal requirements have been met.
In some cases, the release of an autopsy report can be delayed until all legal proceedings have been settled, such as in criminal investigations. The family may also need to present proof that they are legally allowed to access the report, such as a death certificate or court order.
Additionally, the family may only receive a redacted version of the report.
In most cases, the family will be able to contact the medical examiner or coroner to request the autopsy report. It is always best to check the local laws regarding the release of autopsy reports to determine the specific eligibility to obtain a copy.
Can an autopsy be requested?
Yes, an autopsy can be requested if necessary. An autopsy is a type of medical exam that is used to determine the cause of someone’s death. Many times, an autopsy is requested by the local government or state medical examiner, but individuals can also request an autopsy to better understand the circumstances surrounding a loved one’s death.
The process of requesting an autopsy is often a lengthy one and requires lots of documentation, but it is possible to get an autopsy performed. It is important to understand that depending on the jurisdiction, an autopsy may cost money, or be completely free.
Furthermore, autopsy requests can be denied or restricted due to medical, legal, or religious reasons.
What do you need for an autopsy report?
When a person dies, an autopsy report is often used to determine the cause of death. An autopsy report is a report issued by a doctor or a coroner that confirms the manner and cause of death. It includes a description of the external examination of the body, a histologic examination of the tissues, and results of laboratory studies, when available.
An autopsy report should also include:
• Clinical information – This includes the medical history of the deceased, medical records, and any medications the person was taking.
• Autopsy findings – The report should detail the examination of the body and organs, including any injuries or disease found.
• Toxicology – This includes an analysis of any drugs, alcohol, or other substances found in the system at the time of death.
• Lab results – This includes any lab results that are relevant to the investigation, such as an analysis of the tissue samples.
• Conclusion – The report should include a summary of the findings and the doctor’s or coroner’s opinion as to the cause of death.
In addition to the above, an autopsy report must be signed, dated, and completed in accordance with the laws and standards of the specific country or region in which the autopsy was performed. It may also include a statement regarding any unusual circumstances surrounding the death.
Each autopsy report should be as accurate, complete, and thorough as possible.