Jurisdiction in forensic autopsy

[sydneygb]

If a wanted criminal, someone high on the FBI's Most Wanted list, was murdered by an unknown assailant, who would have the jurisdiction over the autopsy? I presume that a forensic would be ordered because 1) he's been murdered and 2) he's a wanted criminal. The man in question is not a US citizen, but he's murdered in Washington, DC

Comments

[wanderingworlds]

The head medical examiner of the DC area would be the one who did the autopsy, mostly because he/she would be the leader of the field there and most trusted by the FBI/CIA/Interpol/etc.

However, considering the biohazards and security at morgues, I highly doubt the fakes could barge into the autopsy room, unless you meant into the building? If they did so without the proper coverings, they would be exposing themselves to anything the body was exposed to or contracted over time.

I'm sure some FBI agents would also be present to witness, dressed properly, and could intercept the fakers.

I suggest making it start out seemingly mundane, then have it erupt into a chaotic flurry as the FBI agents get pissed, the interlopers are obnoxious, the the head ME stands there annoyed that everyone is interupting him/her.

[zinnea]

IIf the man died in in DC there is no question of jurisdiction - the DC OCME would be responsible for performing the autopsy. The FBI doesn't really do a lot of autopsies; most of their lab work involving human remain focuses on DNA tracing and anthropological work. There really isn't a plausible way for another agency to claim jurisdiction

[uplinktruck]

What zinnea said. Great post too.

[sydneygb]

Thanks, folks. I guess I'll roll back to having the body stolen. :)