Pa. coroners refuse to release autopsy reports – and that hinders research on deaths in custody

Coroners in Pennsylvania are withholding autopsy reports, impeding crucial research on deaths that occur in custody. This issue affects 60 of the state's 67 counties, where coroners are legally required to submit yearly records to the prothonotary. The lack of transparency not only hinders scientific inquiry but also raises concerns about accountability and public safety. Researchers argue that access to these reports could lead to better understanding and prevention of such fatalities, underscoring the importance of this issue for both public health and justice reform.