Death scene investigation by medicolegal death investigators: Frequency and associated factors in two US jurisdictions

Abstract

Scene investigation, a fundamental component of medicolegal death investigation, has not been adequately studied. Using data from an electronic case management system, we analyzed 4509 deaths from two nationally accredited offices, over a 4-year period (2018–2021). We determined the proportion of death scenes directly investigated by medicolegal death investigators (MDIs) and examined factors associated with direct scene investigation. MDIs directly investigated scenes in 76% of the cases in this study, which excluded deaths occurring in medical facilities. Using logistic regression to control for the effects of all variables analyzed, we explored factors that were positively and negatively associated with direct scene investigation. MDIs were most likely to examine scenes when the decedents were young, male, white, the death occurred outdoors, and the circumstances were reported as apparent homicide, suicide, or otherwise “suspicious.” Scenes were less likely to be directly investigated by MDIs if the death was reported in the hours after midnight and originally reported as “natural.” Scene responses differed between the two offices in the study. Overall, these results indicate a need to further explore potential barriers or biases that may impact the consistency and accuracy of medicolegal death investigation. The findings also suggest a need to study operational guidelines or structural constraints that shape individual office practices. This study adds to limited research in the field and contributes information to support development of a more consistent, rigorous national response to this critical public health and public safety function.