Chronic Dysfunction Found In Death Investigations
[38 min 38 sec]
Post Mortem: Death Investigation In America
Did you know a coroner doesn't need a medical degree to diagnose the cause of death? An NPR News investigation in partnership with ProPublica and PBS Frontline explores the nation's 2,300 coroner and medical examiner offices, and finds a troubled system that buries its mistakes.
Ernie Lopez is serving a 60-year prison sentence for a crime he, and medical experts, said he didn't commit.
The Child Cases: Guilty Until Proved Innocent
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NPR News Investigations, ProPublica and PBS Frontline analyzed nearly two dozen cases in which people have been accused of killing children based on flawed work by forensic pathologists. Some of the accused were later cleared, others like Ernie Lopez, remain in prison.
Live Chat: 'The Child Cases,' 1 p.m. Wednesday()
June 28, 2011 Join reporters from NPR, PBS Frontline and ProPublica for a discussion on our joint investigation of more than two dozen flawed pediatric death cases, which sent innocent parents and caregivers to prison.
Radio Pictures
Flawed Autopsies Send Two Innocent Men To Jail()
February 2, 2011 In Mississippi, Levon Brooks and Kennedy Brewer, spent a combined 30 years in jail for crimes they didn't commit.
Is The 'CSI Effect' Influencing Courtrooms?()
February 6, 2011 Many prosecutors complain that shows like CSI make their job harder, as jurors demand ultra-high-tech tests to convict suspects. But an investigation by NPR, PBS Frontline and ProPublica has exposed how death investigation in America is nothing like what you see on TV.
The Two-Way
California Officials Reviewing Autopsies Done By Doctor With Trail Of Errors()
February 25, 2011 Dr. Thomas Gill's work is being re-examined in Solano and Yolo counties. During the past 20 years, he repeatedly resurrected his career despite autopsy errors in Indianapolis, Northern California and Kansas City, Mo.
Parents Fight To Find Truth Behind Daughter's Death()
February 7, 2011 When Chanda Turner was found with a gunshot wound, the Oklahoma medical examiner's office ruled it a suicide. But after a 10-year battle to find the truth, the family has been left with an inaccurate and incomplete death certificate.
Post Mortem Live Chat Transcript()
January 31, 2011 Read the transcript from the Post Mortem: Death Investigation in America live discussion with the NPR, ProPublica and PBS Frontline reporters behind the series.
Autopsy Cutbacks Reveal 'Gray Homicides'()
February 5, 2011 Underfunded and understaffed medical examiner and coroner offices have forced some states to decide not to autopsy people over 60. But an investigation by NPR, PBS Frontline and ProPublica reveals some of the deaths may not be from natural causes.
Second Chances Shows Flaws In Death Investigations()
February 7, 2011 The chronic shortage of forensic pathologists has allowed for one doctor to continue performing thousands of autopsies and to serve as an expert witness in criminal cases despite firings for inaccurate findings and alcohol abuse.
Coroners Don't Need Degrees To Determine Death()
February 2, 2011 Understanding the differences between coroners, medical examiners and forensic pathologist provides clues to the rising number of autopsy mistakes across the U.S.
The Real CSI: Death Detective Dysfunction()
February 1, 2011 Every day, nearly 7,000 people die in America. And when these deaths happen suddenly, or under suspicious circumstances, we assume there will be a thorough investigation, just like we see on TV. But the reality is very different.
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