Investigations are conducted to learn answers to the questions surrounding an individual’s death. Body examination and evidence collection can yield important information concerning the presence – or absence – of criminal activity. Proper interviewing of witnesses and/or family members can also provide important clues as to how and why a person died. For example, the “natural” death of an 83 year old presenting with substantial medical history is not the same as the “natural” death of a 30 year old in apparent good health. Requesting medical records and speaking with family and friends of the decedent is a crucial component of the death investigation.
