Reality check on 2020 law to improve Missouri Coroner standards

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Practically three years after the invoice signing, Missouri coroner requirements stay unchanged.

Within the state of Missouri, nearly anybody will be the county coroner. The one necessities are that you just have to be 21 years outdated, you needed to have lived in Missouri for a yr and the county you’re serving in for six months — and also you have to be a United States citizen.

The county coroner is the one that determines the reason for demise that’s placed on the demise certificates. Some states require a coroner to be a medical physician, or at the very least have some medical coaching, however that’s not the case in Missouri.

If this story sounds acquainted — it ought to. Our investigative crew first known as consideration to this situation a yr in the past, and it’s been two and a half years because the Missouri Legislature handed a invoice and created the Missouri State Coroners Coaching Fund, and known as for a fee to deal with the low requirements.

Based on the state’s web site, right here’s the Mission of that board:

The coroner requirements and coaching fee shall set up coaching requirements, by rule, referring to the workplace of county coroner. These requirements shall relate to the operation of the workplace, the authorized duties of the workplace, and the technical abilities and information required of the workplace.

It sounded good on paper.

Jay Minor was first proud when the regulation handed. He fought for the regulation after the fiasco surrounding his son’s demise 12 years in the past. We first spoke with him a yr in the past.

Jaykeb Minor was 27 years outdated when he died.

“I trusted that nook was purported to know what he was doing,” stated Minor.

No post-mortem was accomplished. Blood was drawn, then misplaced. At first, the reason for demise was listed as a drug overdose, however the toxicology report didn’t help that. Later, the reason for demise was listed as cardiac dysrhythmia, that means Jayke’s coronary heart stopped. However even now, his father believes he won’t ever actually know why his son died. Jayke’s demise report really had one other particular person’s title on it that was scratched out. Jayke’s title was written above it in pencil.

“The larger query to me is what number of households did this occur to that no one ever knew? As a result of they trusted that coroner,” stated Minor.

Jay Minor fought for the laws so no different household must undergo what his household has gone by way of. He’s nonetheless combating—and rising an increasing number of annoyed.

Willie Harlow is annoyed too. He’s been the Saline County Coroner for 20 years and labored with Minor to get the laws handed.

“It’s all nicely and good to signal one thing into regulation,” stated Harlow. “However when you don’t ever put it into motion, it’s not well worth the paper it’s written on. This fee has by no means been put into motion.”

Harlow was initially on the fee however resigned in frustration due to the dearth of motion.

“Missouri (has) essentially the most flawed system I’ve ever seen. And it’s discouraging to me that we’re the place we at the moment are that we’re no farther forward,” stated Harlow.

We requested the Division of Well being and Senior Companies for an replace. The division responded that the State Coroners Coaching Fund has a stability of $757,597.65. No cash has been spent from the fund, or requested by the Missouri Coroners’ and Medical Examiners’ Affiliation.

Three individuals are at present seated on the fee. Meaning there are nonetheless 5 vacancies. Till sufficient commissioners will be seated to make a quorum, no motion will be taken.

Jay Minor continues his battle for change.

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