You Won't Know How He/She Died Until the Trial?

 

Over the years, we've spoken to families of various murder victims. They usually mention not knowing any details from the autopsy report or seeing any photographs until the trial. Is this necessary to protect the integrity of the case?

Alabama law: 

State (citation)	Direct Limitations on Disclosure
Alabama (Ala. Code § 36-18-2)	Autopsy reports are public records and have no direct limitations on disclosure.

Obviously, making a legal case comes first, but family rights should be considered. It seems the family of a Colbert murder victim has been denied the right to look at her autopsy. This could have been the result of Bryce Graham leaving office and heaping any lingering problems on Mr. Hughston. We've already heard many complain about the unfairness of this.

The murder in question was no accident. The accused should be easily convicted of Felony Murder and given a Life with Parole sentence according to law. Judging from historical records, this would mean serving approximately 30 years before he sees freedom, if then.

We've just linked the details of this case in a Facebook post. The crime was so gruesome that we don't wish to publish them a second time in our blog. If this was your family, as hard as it might be to take, wouldn't you want to know what the autopsy said?

*****

In 2023, the State of Alabama still employs/elects lay coroners in almost all counties. This means the coroner is not required to have even a college degree...in anything, much less medicine. 

No, we don't think that will change anytime soon, if ever. It's the cheapest way to go, and who cares how someone died if they were dumb enough to be murdered. Right?

Yes, we do have excellent state pathologists, but a little required training for county coroners would be nice. That and no carrying around unclaimed ashes in county cars for months.