Autopsy Reports in Forensic Evidence
Posted: June 21, 2022
By: Robert S.
The Greek word autopsia (meaning "to see with one's own eyes") gives us the word autopsy. An autopsy is performed by a medically trained professional—usually a doctor or a pathologist—and it can serve several purposes. It is a post-mortem examination of the body, or of a specific region of the body, such as the brain or another organ. An autopsy is often conducted to determine a person's cause of death, whether for research or legal reasons.
Once the examination is completed, a detailed autopsy report is generated. This report describes the methodology of the examination and draws connections between the visual findings and the various tests performed, such as laboratory or radiological analyses. The medical examiner will detail how they believe the death occurred, supporting that opinion with the results of their analysis. Ultimately, the expertise of the pathologist may be called into question during a criminal trial if any aspect of the autopsy is disputed.
The official autopsy report may take weeks or even months to prepare. This depends on the examiner's backlog of cases and the results of any additional testing that may be required. Once finalized, the report is delivered to the family or estate of the deceased, law enforcement (if part of an investigation), and the authority that originally ordered the examination.
Who decides if an autopsy is needed?
A pathologist may require that an autopsy be performed, sometimes despite the wishes of the decedent's family. Recall the case in which Craig Rabinowitz murdered his wife, Stephanie, in the episode Summer Obsession (s10e27). Jewish custom calls for burial before sundown, but in this case, the medical examiner overruled that tradition in order to perform a thorough autopsy. The examination ultimately revealed that Craig had drugged his wife with Ambien.
The decision to perform an autopsy typically depends on a combination of factors. Law enforcement may request an examination, while family members may attempt to decline permission. Practically speaking, someone not involved in wrongdoing should want an autopsy performed. The truth is usually the most important outcome—whether it confirms suicide, poisoning, natural causes, or something else entirely.
How is an autopsy performed?
An autopsy—and the resulting report—can vary in scope. A complete autopsy involves opening the body cavity and examining the organs and tissues within. This can include analysis of stomach contents, toxicology testing of organs such as the liver, and examination of other internal structures. The brain is another key focus in a full autopsy.
A limited autopsy may be ordered for a variety of reasons, but its purpose is to focus the examination on a specific region of the body, most commonly the brain or the heart.
Before any internal examination begins, a preliminary external survey is conducted. The pathologist records identifying and physical characteristics of the subject, including height, weight, and ethnicity, along with distinguishing features such as scars, tattoos, piercings, and clothing.
How to read an autopsy report
An autopsy report details the procedures performed during the examination. While presentation can vary by jurisdiction, most reports follow a format approved by the National Association of Medical Examiners. A reader can typically locate the following sections:
- Diagnosis of the decedent: A summary of medical history, which may include prescription records, family medical history, and relevant social factors.
- Toxicology report: The results of tests for toxins in the subject's tissues and fluids.
- Pathologist's opinion: A summary of the examiner's observations, sometimes including recommendations for additional testing.
- Cause of death: This section outlines contributing factors, the manner of death (natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, or undetermined), and the mechanism when determinable. In forensic contexts, this is the most critical section.
33 cataloged episodes where the Forensic Evidence includes Autopsy Report
Ronald Porter California serial murderer in 1980s
Insect Clues (s01e10)
Julie Post drowned by husband Ed Post in St. Louis
Slippery Motives (s04e13)
Joanne and baby Alex Katrinak kidnapping and murder by Patricia Rorrer
A Woman Scorned (s05e03)
Reyna Marroquin murder solved after 30 years
A Voice from Beyond (s05e04)
Alvin Ridley murder charge exoneration
'Kill'igraphy (s05e09)
Kenneth Pierce hit-and-run death of Nicole Rae Walker
Journey to Justice (s05e17)
Ken Tranchida murder of Tina Biggar
Deadly Knowledge (s05e19)
Pearl Bruns murdered by husband Bill
Missing Pearl (s06e02)
Dawn Bruce rape and murder by neighbor Robert Knight
Soft Touch (s06e09)
Stephen Hricko killed by wife Kimberly Hricko
Whodunit (s06e12)
David Davis murder by poison of Shannon Mohr
Horse Play (s06e13)
Brad Jackson murders own daughter Valiree Jackson
Bagging a Killer (s06e25)
Donald Ruby jailed for the murder of Edna Posey
Scout's Honor (s07e12)
Ray Krone Exoneration and Arizona Settlement
Once Bitten (s08e07)
Ed Sherman murder of pregnant wife Ellen Sherman
Dinner and a Movie (s08e10)
Earl Bramblett murder of entire Hodges family
Private Thoughts (s08e16)
Michael Hunter killed with lidocaine by Joseph Mannino
Letter Perfect (s08e26)
Jonathan Memmer murder and arson in Iowa City
Smoke in your Eyes (s08e29)
Nancy Dillard Lyon murder by arsenic poisoning by husband Richard Lyon
Writer's Block (s10e21)
Craig Rabinowitz drugged and strangled wife Stefanie Rabinowitz
Summer Obsession (s10e27)
Tim Scoggin arsenic poisoning of the Nobles
Penchant for Poison (s10e33)
Bill Lowes beaten to death with axe handle by Bryan Crews
Bump in the Night (s10e34)
Insurance fraud murder of Frankie Pullian
Undertaken (s11e13)
Michael Peterson murdered wife Kathleen and staged accident
A Novel Idea (s11e22)
Tampa adjuster Katie Froeschle murder by Jason Funk
Muffled Cries (s11e31)
Steven Lucas murder of mother Bette Lucas in Tyler, Texas
Step by Step (s11e37)
Lynn Turner Antifreeze Murder of Randy Thompson
Cold Hearted (s12e03)
Heather Stigliano's murder by James Whipple
Pressed for Crime (s12e13)
Cold case of Diane Maxwell's murder in 1969
Brotherly Love (s12e22)
Jack and Linda Myers shot by son Gregg Myers
In the Bag (s12e27)
Edith Ann Haynes murder by Michael Bryant
Yes, In Deed (s12e28)
Michelle Herndon propofol poisoning by Oliver O'Quinn
Needle in a Haystack (s13e28)
Maurice Wallace murder of student Olamide Adeyooye
Covet Thy Neighbor (s13e35)
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Sources
- https://www.legacy.com/advice/what-you-need-to-know-about-an-autopsy-report
- https://www.medicinenet.com/autopsy/article.htm
- https://dying.lovetoknow.com/what-is-death-like/autopsy-report-basics-easy-understand-guide