Interim Chief M.E.: Unfinished Autopsy Reports Will No Longer Be Released

Interim Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Sibly said despite what the law said his office will no longer be releasing unfinished autopsy reports requested by the media.

Thursday, December 16th 2010, 3:04 pm

By: News 9


Jon Jordan, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Interim Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Sibly said despite what the law said his office will no longer be releasing unfinished autopsy reports requested by the media.

In past instances where unfinished reports were handed out, Dr. Sibly said the release of that information could have serious consequence regarding the particular case at hand. During the medical examiner's board meeting Thursday, Sibly said he feels his decision not to released unfinished autopsy reports would have the support from both law enforcement and the public.

"If there is a problem with that and I have to go to jail over it, so be it," said Sibly. "I would have no problem going to jail with a clear conscious."

According to Cherokee Ballard, a spokesperson for the agency, the issues of releasing documents early first became an issue after the brutal murder of Pastor Carol Daniels inside her Anadarko church. Despite attempts to block the release of the body diagrams, pressure from the state Attorney General's office overruled, requiring the reluctant agency to release the documents.

Sibly made it clear during the meeting that he will do what he can to prevent further releasing any unfinished reports even if it means risking going to jail.

Sibly believes it was an oversight by the legislature to not include them as one of the agencies who are barred from releasing similar documents.

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