Twin Falls coroner wants new system to investigate deaths

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — A southern Idaho county coroner is pushing for a new system to investigate deaths across the state.

The Times-News reports Twin Falls County Coroner Gene Turley says the creation of a state pathology department would save taxpayers money and improve services. He's presenting his plan to state legislators in hopes they will bring it to a vote during the next Legislative session.

Turley says Idaho's 44 coroners can conduct death investigations, but they're not forensic pathologists. That means bodies must be sent to Boise when autopsies are required.

Turley says his office orders around 25 autopsies a year, costing local taxpayers around $51,000 annually. He'd like the state to create a forensic pathology department with four regional offices, allowing autopsies and toxicology testing to be performed faster and closer to home.

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Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com