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

Pennsylvania coroners' refusal to release autopsy reports is creating significant obstacles for researchers studying deaths in custody, undermining both public trust and legal mandates. This secrecy not only limits valuable data collection but also hinders efforts to understand and address the systemic issues surrounding these deaths. With such information being crucial for reform and accountability, this lack of transparency could have far-reaching implications for justice and public safety.