FAQs About Medicolegal Death Investigation

Under Federal law (Title 10, United States Code, Section 1471), AFMES is authorized to conduct medicolegal forensic investigations for deaths that occur under federal jurisdiction. AFMES may also be requested to support federal investigations of American citizen or service members who die abroad. The primary goals of a medicolegal investigation include:

• To positively identify your loved one.
• To determine the official cause and manner of death.
• To collect and document evidence that may be critical for military and federal investigations.

The autopsy examination is a thorough and respectful process performed by a board-certified forensic pathologist. It includes the following key phases:

• Identification: Confirming identity through scientific methods such as fingerprint, dental, and/or DNA analysis. On rare occasions, identification will be established through circumstances when scientific means are not viable.
• Examination: An autopsy may include radiology studies (such as a CT scan) with both a complete external and internal examination. The external examination includes taking photographs of the decedent, noting physical characteristics, and documenting any signs of disease or evidence of trauma. An internal examination includes examining internal organs and structures. When required, selected fluids and small sections of organs may be collected for microscopic, toxicological, and DNA analyses. In complex cases, major organs may be collected, preserved, and dissected by forensic specialists for further examination. Any personal effects are photographed, inventoried, and released to the appropriate authority.
• Documentation: Examination findings and any additional diagnostics are captured in a final written report.

Your assigned Casualty Assistance Officer, company representative, investigating agent, or AFMES representative will provide you with the date and location of the autopsy examination.

A typical autopsy examination usually takes 2-4 hours once the remains and AFMES staff arrive at a facility capable of supporting medicolegal investigations. However, if DNA analysis is required for positive identification, the process may take additional time before remains can be released, assuming a suitable reference sample is available for comparison.

In most cases, the medicolegal death investigation will be completed and a final report issued within 6 to 12 weeks.

To request a report, please submit AFMES Form 3 entitled “Request for Autopsy Report and Supplemental Information.” To protect your privacy and minimize intrusion during your time of bereavement, we ask that all requests be in writing. In compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, all requests must include a copy of a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or DOD family member ID card).

Please note: Final autopsy reports do not include photographs of the autopsy unless specifically requested.

You can find the form and submit your request via:

Website: http://www.dha.mil/afmes (under Forms and Resources)

Email: dha.dover.afmes.mbx.operations@health.mil

Fax: (302) 346-8819

Mail: Armed Forces Medical Examiner System Attn: Forensic Pathology Investigations 115 Purple Heart Drive Dover AFB, DE 19902

Issuance depends on where the death occurred:

Outside the United States

AFMES may issue a death certificate if we performed the examination and the host nation did not issue one of their own, or if their certificate required updates based on our examination findings.

Requests can be emailed directly to: dha.dover.afmes.list.msd@health.mil

Inside the United States

AFMES does not issue the death certificate. Death certificates must be requested through the Vital Statistics Office in the state where the death occurred.

Contact the local or state Vital Statistics Office in the jurisdiction where the death occurred.

Yes. The staff of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System is available to discuss autopsy findings with you and answer any questions you may have. If you would like to speak with a Medical Examiner, please call us at 302-346-8648.