The Legal Investigator (NALI): Potential Bias in Autopsies – Recognizing and Addressing Influences

GREELEY, Colo. - Nov. 24, 2025 - PRLog -- Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI, CFDI-Expert and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI, CFDI-SME, both former deputy coroners and autopsy assistants, and private medicolegal death investigators / expert consultants, co-authored this article.

The article explores the infrequent latent biases which may be present from investigations, scene evidence or its absence, and outside influences. Understanding these potential influences is vital for attorneys and legal investigators. Law enforcement investigations are to determine if criminal activity was involved. They do not determine, officially, Cause of Death (COD) or Manner of Death (MOD); however, they can – intentionally or not – influence these findings.

Autopsies are a key component of the overall death investigation, and provides crucial insights into the Cause and Manner of Death (COD and MOD). However, and infrequently, latent biases may be present from investigations, scene evidence or its absence, and outside influences. Understanding these potential influences is vital for attorneys and legal investigators. Law enforcement investigations are to determine if criminal activity was involved. They do not determine, officially, COD or MOD; however, they can – intentionally or not – influence these findings.

View the full article at: https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=856740