Coroner
Vision
The Owyhee County Coroner’s Office will serve every member of the community with consistent integrity and respect.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Owyhee County Coroner’s Office to provide the highest level of professionalism while utilizing our thorough investigative abilities to determine the cause and manner of death. Also while maintaining compassion, sincerity and support for those who have experienced a loss. We achieve this through continuous education, agency cooperation and building community partnerships. Furthermore, through establishing, honesty and veracity.
Core Values
- Provide the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality
- Provide thorough and fair investigations
- Provide a compassionate, supportive and caring environment for families
- Exceeding community expectations
- Establish and preserve community trust
Legal Responsibilities
Under Title 19, Chapter 43, Section 19-4301,of the Idaho Code, The Coroner, as soon as he is informed that a person in his county has died: As a result of violence, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal or accidental, or A) Under suspicious or unknown circumstances, or B) When not attended by a physician during his last illness and the cause of death cannot be certified by a physician, shall go to the place of death and take charge of the body. An investigation into the events leading up to the person’s death shall commence in cooperation with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Coroner may authorize an autopsy to be performed by a licensed physician in the State of Idaho to aid in accurately and scientifically determining the cause and manner of death. The Coroner shall also prepare a written report of the factual information gathered during the course of such an investigation.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
The Coroner may use many different methods when determining the cause and manner of death. This includes medical records from physicians, hospitals, and other health care facilities. Federal Code concerning protected health information specifically indicates that protected health care information can be disseminated to Coroners for the purpose of aiding an investigation into the cause and manner of death and to assist in the identification of a deceased. Although these records are placed in the case file, they are not subject to public view.
AUTOPSIES
The Owyhee County Coroner’s Office contracts with a forensic pathologist to perform autopsies. Per Idaho Code, Title 19, Chapter 43, Section 194301B, the Coroner may authorize an autopsy without consent of the next of kin. The forensic autopsy includes a detailed external examination, surgical examination, X-Rays, and collection of tissue and bodily fluids. Tissues are prepared and examined microscopically by the forensic pathologist. Bodily fluids are submitted to one or more laboratories locally and throughout the United States for analysis for the detection and quantitation of alcohol, prescription or illicit drugs, or poisons. Cultures may also be prepared for determining viral or bacterial diseases. The results are reviewed by the forensic pathologist to aid in determining the cause of death.
DEATH CERTIFICATES
Death certificates are prepared by the funeral home. Once the investigation is complete, the Coroner will record and certify the death certificate to reflect the cause and manner of death. This information will then be transmitted to the State of Idaho, Department of Vital Statistics. The Coroner does not issue death certificates to the general public. Death certificates are only available from the State of Idaho, Department of Vital Statistics.
CORONER’S INQUEST
Under Idaho Code, the Coroner, if he has reasonable grounds and at his discretion, may conduct an inquest into the manner of death of a person. The Coroner will summon six (6) persons qualified by law to serve as jurors to appear before him to hold said inquest. Jurors shall hear sworn testimony of factual information by witnesses called by the Coroner, review photographs, reports and documents to determine the manner of death. The decision of the Coroner’s Inquest is final and not subject to appeal.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
The Owyhee County Coroner’s Office may collect personal property that is determined to be of evidentiary value or for safe keeping. Real property, such as residential dwellings, buildings, or automobiles are sealed or secured until the legal next of kin is identified. In most cases, property determined not be of value to the investigation, will be turned over to the legal next of kin. Prescription medications or contraband will be disposed, destroyed or turned over to law enforcement officials. In the event the legal next of kin cannot be located, the Coroner will work with the Owyhee County Public Administrator for disposition of the property.
COPIES OF REPORTS
Reports generated by the Owyhee County Coroner’s Office are subject to public view only after the conclusion of the investigation. These reports are available upon written request, and appropriate fees are forwarded. The reports do not included protected health information and reports or documents obtained from other agencies.
IDENTIFICATION & VIEWING
Contrary to popular belief, visual identification by family or friends is not usually necessary. Many methods are used to identify remains by the Coroner’s Office. In most cases, photographic identification is all that is required. Occasionally, other methods, such as fingerprints, tattoos, jewelry, X-rays, utilized for positive identification. We understand that family may want to view their loved one as soon as possible. It is recommended that this be done at the funeral home facility. We will work with funeral homes to insure this can be accomplished as quickly as possible.
ORGAN & TISSUE DONATION
The Owyhee County Coroner’s Office supports the efforts by the various organ and tissue donation organizations. We will make every effort to accommodate the wishes of families to donate. The Coroner will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the death and determine if donation can proceed. The Coroner may consult with the Prosecuting Attorney of Owyhee County, if needed.
Coroner's Office
CORONER CONTACT
Location:
15 Reich St.
Marsing, ID 83639
Mailing Address:
PO Box 313
Marsing, ID 83639
Phone: 208-896-4266
Cell Phone: 208-880-7537
Fax: 208-896-5700
Aaron Tines, Coroner
Phone: 208-880-7537
Cell Phone: 208-880-7537
Email: atines@co.owyhee.id.us