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Recommended actions to take if you are the first individual to arrive at the scene.
1. Activate your cell phone's audio recording feature discreetly and document every conversation with law enforcement, as well as any individuals present at the location, including friends, relatives, and family members.
2. Capture video footage of the area where the decedent was discovered, along with the surrounding environment: the residence, vehicle, bedroom, bathroom, basement, medicine cabinets, countertops, and so forth.
3. If the decedent is single, ensure that their electronic devices and personal belongings are handed over to the next of kin, likely a parent or sibling. Remember, if the decedent cohabits with a spouse, this may be your final opportunity to access the residence.
4. Search for mail addressed to the decedent and collect it alongside laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Documents such as phone bills, insurance papers, bank correspondence, and journals can provide valuable insights.
5. Communicate your concerns regarding the nature of this death to the law enforcement officials present. Inform them of any known prior abuse. Notify them of any documented incidents of domestic violence that have been reported to the authorities previously.
6. Advise law enforcement if you have knowledge of any hospitalizations related to domestic violence, calls made to Child Protective Services concerning domestic violence involving children, or any social workers engaged with the family.
7. BEFORE any burial or cremation takes place, ensure that you obtain a copy of the finalized autopsy report. An autopsy is typically conducted within a day or so following the death, and you may find that it lacks thoroughness, prompting a desire to pursue a second autopsy.
8. The toxicology report may take anywhere from two weeks to four months to be completed. During this period, the involved law enforcement agency will review the Cause of Death and Manner of Death indicated by the Medical Examiner or Coroner to determine whether the case is classified as closed or open, based on the Manner of Death: Accident, Homicide, Suicide, Undetermined, or Pending Further Investigation.
Red Flags for Law Enforcement
Be alert to these indicative statements made by 911 callers:
“I returned home from work and discovered my wife had taken her own life in the bathtub.”
“My wife went to bathe, and upon checking on her, I found her floating in the tub.”
“My wife struck her head and chose to take a bath. After an hour, I checked on her and she was just there, floating.”
"I got back from a round of golf with friends and found my 38-week pregnant wife deceased in the tub."
“My baby isn’t moving; he seemed fine before. He did bump his head last night, and now he won’t wake up.”
“My baby fell off the bed and isn’t breathing.”
“My friends and I were handling a firearm, and it accidentally discharged, resulting in “Johnny’s” death.”
“Well, she finally went through with it! She hanged herself in the shower.”
“He entered the water, and a wave swept him away, leading to his drowning.”
Call from a 5-year-old: “My mommy is on the toilet and she’s not moving.”
Call from a child: “Daddy said if mommy doesn’t wake up, I should call 911.”
All the aforementioned calls were initially classified as Accidental, resulting in the case being closed. Fortunately, the families reached out to us, and through meticulous examination of Scene Photos, Police Statements, Autopsy Photos, Autopsy Reports, as well as Toxicology reports, we successfully demonstrated that all these cases were actually Homicides.
These represent merely a selection of the cases that have been effectively prosecuted; others are awaiting trial and some continue to undergo investigation. In many instances regarding these cases, it is often the perpetrator masquerading as a grieving individual who makes the 911 call.
It should consistently raise suspicion among arriving law enforcement and/or medical personnel when the individual reporting the incident provides extraneous information without prompt:
“Yeah, I’ve been employed at ______ for three years.”
“I’ve never harmed her.”
“Don’t mind the state of the house; I’m renovating it.”
“I do carpentry on the side.”
“I’ve never liked living here. I plan on moving.”
“She told me just last night how much she loves me and expressed remorse for our recent conflicts.”
Insulting or blaming the decedent:
“We would argue like any couple, but she didn’t need to take this step.”
“She has been experiencing depression.”
“She has struggled with prescription medication issues.”
“She’s always been a drinker.”
“I knew this would happen.”
“She was always the more aggressive partner in the relationship.”
“She has complained about frequent headaches.”
“She’s had seizures in the past but refused to see a doctor.”
“She frequently mentioned thoughts of suicide.”
“I can’t believe she would do this to me.”
“She has been very despondent lately. I reassured her that everything would be okay.”
Being intentionally vague or misleading regarding a child’s death facts:
“He/She tends to be accident-prone.”
“He/She is always falling, running into walls, tables, off the bed, down the stairs.”
“He/She has been unwell recently and has had seizures before.”
“He/She enjoyed playing alone in the bathtub.”
Exhibiting excessive politeness or frivolity:
“Can I offer you something to drink?”
“Please take a seat.”
“I’ll provide you with all the information you need.”
“I’ve always wanted to be a police officer.”
“Been busy lately?
”
“Here are all the medications she used to take.”
“I attempted to help her, but you know how women can be.”
“Have you been following sports, NASCAR?”
“Do you know _____? He’s a police officer in ___. A good friend of mine.”
SuspiciousDeaths.org
This site is dedicated to Margaret Mary Hayes who is forever in our hearts.
Justice for Margaret.
