When the circumstances surrounding a death are ambiguous and the manner of death is unclear, forensic pathologists, along with toxicologists, psychologists and psychiatrists, compile information to distinguish among possible modes of death as accident, homicide and suicide. Forensic death investigation may be pivotal in the decision to pursue criminal charges. With that in mind, The Forensic Panel examines all important sources of information including: the death scene, all documentation pertaining to the death, interviews with family members and associates, the subject’s medical history, evidence of recent stressors, relevant documents pertaining to the deceased’s history and background, as well as any changes in that person’s will or life insurance policies. Furthermore, The Forensic Panel pathologists rely on the evolving concepts of suicidology, toxicology, drug metabolism, and accident reconstruction to fit together each and every piece of the puzzle.
Experts from The Forensic Panel have the experience and sophistication for ascertaining pertinent information from the intricate and careful investigations they conduct. Peer-review ensures accountability for the forensic expert’s determination of what evidence bears most influentially on the cause and mode of questionable death, and it upholds the integrity of their results. Where medical certainty is most elusive – because the examinee is deceased – such a scrupulous approach makes the last word possible.