Published Quarterly by Lifeloom.com

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Sir Walter Scott

Summer 2004 Volume II, issue 1

             The most difficult of cases to investigate involve the premature or unexpected death of a loved one. Family or friends of the deceased come to our agency because there is this nagging feeling that something is wrong. These cases are wrought with emotion and it is important to remain subjective yet sympathetic.

             The initial phase of the case mandates that all pertinent information be derived from a variety of sources. The death certificate is requested as is the medical examiner's report if an autopsy was performed. Any medical records pertaining to the deceased are requested; however, many family members are not allowed access to these records without a court order. Any police reports filed would also be obtained at this time. A detailed account about the events leading up to the day that the subject died, along with information pertaining to the alleged suspect, is taken from the client.

             At this point we engage the services of a forensic pathologist to review the medical examiner's findings, determine if all tests were performed, and to make a conclusion as to the cause of death. Quite often the forensic pathologist will concur with the findings of the medical examiner and rule the cause of death as natural or suicide. Other times the doctor may find that there are indicators of possible foul play and recommend to the family that independent toxicology testing be performed or that the case be reviewed again by the medical examiner.

            Our part in this begins with an in-depth investigation into the suspect or suspects. We investigate all aspects of the suspect's past history including marriages, divorces, civil litigation, criminal convictions, etc. This information is then matched to the information that the suspect presented to family, friends, or the authorities, as the truth. Quite often this initial phase presents a set of facts that can determine if the subject may be involved, in any way, with the death of the person.

            The combination of fact-finding through an in-depth investigation, coupled with the expertise of a trained medical professional, lays the foundation in these types of investigations. If the findings indicate that there is any evidence that the person died at the hands of another, then the police are notified and all evidence found pursuant to the investigation is turned over to the authorities. Most times however the deceased is found to have died of natural causes or through suicide and that the suspect is not guilty of any crime.

             The client usually has mixed feelings about the results of the investigation, especially when no evidence of foul play is found. Many times my clients have told me that they would have felt that they had abandoned their loved one if they had not pursued the matter further; while on the other hand they feel guilty for suspecting someone of possible murder. My answer is that you need to follow your heart and do what you need to do. Many of my clients now feel, at long last, a sense of closure and know that their loved one is resting in peace.

            The case is closed and life goes.

Copyright 2004 by Ann Flaherty

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Sir Walter Scott