Atascosa County officials are urged to establish a local medical examiner's office to improve timely autopsy services and support families in crisis. During a recent meeting, several prosecutors and community members voiced their concerns about the current system, which requires families to send bodies to distant facilities, causing significant delays in autopsy results and funerals.

Leslie Carranza, a frontline prosecutor, highlighted the pressing need for a local medical examiner, citing the emotional toll on families waiting for autopsy results, particularly in light of recent violent incidents in Frio County. She emphasized that having a dedicated office would enhance the community's ability to seek justice and provide closure for victims' families.

Erica Price, another prosecutor, echoed these sentiments, detailing the inefficiencies faced by law enforcement when they must travel long distances for autopsy services. She argued that the current system hampers investigations and delays justice, particularly in cases involving child victims.

Community member Rebecca Kaufman shared a personal story about her family's experience with the lengthy process of retrieving her uncle's body after a tragic accident. She recounted the nearly two-week wait for his funeral and the seven-month delay in receiving autopsy results, underscoring the emotional strain such delays impose on grieving families.

The meeting underscored a growing consensus among local leaders and residents that establishing a medical examiner's office is not just a logistical improvement but a necessary step toward better serving the community's needs. As discussions continue, stakeholders are hopeful that the county will prioritize this initiative to ensure timely and compassionate responses to families in their most vulnerable moments.