Legal question

[mrsklamc]

My mom's husband was murdered about 18 months ago, in a pretty rural area. According to her the county attorney refuses to give her the autopsy or investigation report because they tell her it's too graphic and will just upset her. Aren't these items public record?

ETA: oops...meant to post on Community Board.

 

[cuterlt]

She should contact the medical investigator's office - whomever did the autopsy. The office in our community will meet with family members and discuss the findings.
Is someone being prosecuted for the murder?

 

[Gr8t Fan]

In Illinois FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) doesn't apply if there is an ongoing criminal investigation. Perhaps your state has a similar provision.

 

[Swimalie]

My mom's husband was murdered about 18 months ago, in a pretty rural area. According to her the county attorney refuses to give her the autopsy or investigation report because they tell her it's too graphic and will just upset her. Aren't these items public record?

ETA: oops...meant to post on Community Board.

The reports can be marked as "not for public release" which means they stay private. The officer, detective and medical examiner could mark these at their discretion.

 

[Mickeyflower]

If there is an ongoing investigation, they don't share unless and until someone is prosecuted for the crime. Sometimes not even then is it released. I'm not sure why you would want to know the details. Speaking from personal experience, it will only traumatize you and maybe even cause PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I understand fully needing to know the cause of death and getting justice for the responsible parties, but knowing the details will not bring any type of closure.