Jim Allmon | Term: 2024-2028
Sangamon County Coroner’s Role in Medico-Legal Death Investigations
The Sangamon County Coroner plays a critical role in investigating deaths within the county or city when circumstances suggest that a Medico-Legal investigation is warranted. The following outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and authority of the Coroner in such cases.
Notification of the Coroner
When a death occurs that may require further investigation—such as deaths under suspicious, unclear, or non-natural circumstances—the County Coroner must be notified. Upon receiving the notification, the Coroner determines whether the death warrants a full Medico-Legal investigation.
Determination of Death Certificate Type
Once notified, the Coroner decides the type of death certificate to be issued:
- Medical Death Certificate: If the death is deemed natural and falls within the scope of the decedent’s physician’s expertise, the physician will handle the issuance of the Medical Death Certificate.
- Coroner/Medical Examiner Death Certificate: In cases where the cause or manner of death is unclear, or when the death appears to involve suspicious or criminal circumstances, the Coroner or Medical Examiner will assume responsibility for the investigation and issue a Coroner/Medical Examiner Death Certificate.
Medico-Legal Death Investigation
A Medico-Legal investigation is a comprehensive process conducted by the Coroner’s Office. This may include:
- Autopsy: A thorough post-mortem examination to determine cause of death.
- Toxicology: Testing for substances that may have contributed to or caused death.
- Review of Medical Records: Analyzing the decedent’s medical history to establish any pre-existing conditions or contributing factors.
The purpose of this investigation is to determine the cause and manner of death.
Filing and Certification of Death Certificate
After the Coroner completes the investigation, the death certificate is filed with the local registrar. The registrar then certifies the document, completing the official recording of the death.
Authority of the County Coroner
The Sangamon County Coroner operates as an independent and unbiased entity, ensuring that all investigations are conducted without external influence. Under Illinois state law, the Coroner holds the designation of a conservator of the peace and is recognized as a law enforcement official, granting the Coroner the same legal powers as a Sheriff.
The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office serves an essential function in ensuring that deaths are investigated thoroughly and impartially. By maintaining independence and legal authority, the Coroner plays a vital role in upholding public safety and justice.