Medical Examiner

Losing a family member or friend is overwhelming on its own. When that loss involves a sudden, unexpected, or traumatic death, it can be even more confusing to navigate what happens next, who is in charge, and how to get answers. This article walks through how the Maricopa County AZ Medical Examiner system works, what the Office of the Medical Examiner actually does, what families can expect during an investigation, and where to find official case information, reports, and death certificates. It is written for people in Maricopa County who need clear, practical guidance during a difficult time.

Navigate the Maricopa County Medical Examiner after a loss

When someone dies in circumstances defined by Arizona law, the death is reported to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (often shortened to “OME”). The office is a county agency responsible for performing medical investigations of certain types of deaths to protect public health and safety.

The Office of the Medical Examiner facility is undergoing major construction, and the building is currently closed to walk-in visitors. Families and other community members are asked to reach out by phone and through online tools rather than coming to the building in person.

The main Medical Examiner information hub for the county is the official Medical Examiner page on the Maricopa County website. From there, you can reach case status tools, report forms, and resources specifically designed for families and partner agencies.

Understand what the Medical Examiner does for Maricopa County

The Office of the Medical Examiner is not a hospital, funeral home, or law enforcement agency. It is a medicolegal office created and governed under Arizona law to investigate certain deaths and certify the cause and manner of death.

Core mission and purpose

According to the county’s description of the office, the Medical Examiner’s mission is to provide professional medicolegal death investigations in statutorily defined circumstances and to share those findings with families, public agencies, and other community stakeholders. The goals include:

Determining the medical cause of death (disease and/or injury)

Determining the manner of death (such as natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined)

Identifying deaths that may signal public health or safety issues

Providing accurate, scientifically based assessments that can guide policy and prevention efforts

These investigations are conducted for the benefit of the community and to help reduce similar deaths in the future.

Who works at the office

The Office of the Medical Examiner is staffed by certified forensic medical and scientific professionals. Their team includes:

Forensic pathologists (medical doctors with fellowship training in forensic pathology)
Forensic anthropologists and forensic odontologists
Medicolegal death investigators
Forensic technicians and histotechnologists
Forensic photographers and neuropathology professionals
Administrative and support staff

These specialists work together to investigate deaths, perform examinations when needed, document findings, and communicate with families and partner agencies.

Know when a death goes to the Medical Examiner

Not every death in Maricopa County is handled by the Medical Examiner. Many deaths, especially expected deaths from known natural disease under a doctor’s care, are certified by treating physicians.

By contrast, Arizona law requires certain categories of deaths to be reported to and investigated by the Medical Examiner. Based on the county’s frequently asked questions and statutory references, deaths commonly reported include:

Deaths of people who were not under the current care of a health care provider

Unexpected or unexplained deaths, including sudden natural deaths without a clear medical history

Deaths from violence, such as gunshot wounds, stabbings, or blunt force trauma

Deaths occurring in a custodial setting

Unexpected or unexplained deaths of infants and children

Deaths that occur in suspicious, unusual, or non-natural circumstances

Deaths that may be related to occupation or employment

Deaths associated with surgical or anesthetic procedures

Deaths suspected to be caused by previously unreported or undiagnosed disease that could threaten public safety

Cases involving bodies that are not identifiable at the time of discovery

The Medical Examiner decides whether a particular case meets the legal criteria, what level of investigation is required, and whether an examination or autopsy needs to be performed.

See how the death investigation process unfolds

Families often want to know “what happens next” after a death has been reported to the Medical Examiner. While every case is unique, there are common steps in a typical investigation.

Initial report and jurisdiction decision

A death is reported by law enforcement, medical providers, or other responsible parties. The Office of the Medical Examiner reviews the information to decide whether the death falls under its jurisdiction based on Arizona statutes.

If the case meets the criteria, the office takes responsibility for the medicolegal investigation and cause and manner of death certification. If it does not, the case may be referred back to the attending physician or another appropriate certifier.

Scene response and information gathering

When the Medical Examiner assumes jurisdiction, information is gathered from:

Law enforcement and first responders
Medical records and health care providers
Witnesses and family members
The death scene and environmental context

A medicolegal death investigator may respond to the scene, collect details, and coordinate transportation of the decedent to the Medical Examiner facility if an examination is needed.

Examination and testing

Not every Medical Examiner case requires a full autopsy. The type of examination is determined by the Medical Examiner based on the facts of the case. In general:

Some cases can be resolved with a detailed external exam and review of medical records.

Other cases require partial autopsy.

Many cases require a complete autopsy to fully understand injuries, disease, and cause of death.

Toxicology testing may be ordered to detect drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Toxicology in this setting is more comprehensive and forensically focused than typical hospital screening.

Determining cause and manner of death

After the investigation, examination, and any necessary lab testing, the Medical Examiner completes a formal determination of cause and manner of death. This information is recorded on the death certificate and in the Medical Examiner Report.

If cause and manner of death cannot be immediately determined, they may be listed as “pending” while additional investigation or testing is completed. Families can still obtain a pending death certificate, which serves as legal proof of death.

Learn about examinations, autopsies, and viewing options

Families often have specific questions and concerns about what happens to their loved one’s body.

Types of examinations

The Office of the Medical Examiner performs:

External examinations – A detailed exam of the body’s exterior, often combined with record review and investigative findings.

Partial autopsies – Targeted examinations when a full autopsy is not needed to establish cause of death.

Full autopsies – Comprehensive internal and external examinations performed by a forensic pathologist.

The decision on which type of exam is necessary is made by the Medical Examiner to fulfill statutory responsibilities and the office’s mission. Family wishes are taken into account when possible, but legal and public safety requirements ultimately guide the decision.

Open casket and funeral arrangements

A common concern is whether an autopsy or examination will prevent an open-casket viewing or affect funeral plans. The office’s guidance explains that their procedures typically do not prevent an open-casket service. Your chosen funeral service provider is in the best position to advise how your loved one will be presented once they have received and prepared the body.

Viewing at the Medical Examiner facility

The Medical Examiner facility is a working forensic environment. For safety, privacy, and operational reasons:

Public viewing of remains is not permitted at the Medical Examiner facility.

Identification meetings, if needed, are conducted using photographs rather than in-person viewing.

Families who wish to view their loved one’s remains should coordinate with their funeral home, mortuary, or other service provider.

Connect with the office as a family member or representative

When the Maricopa County AZ Medical Examiner is involved in a death, family members often have many questions about case status, timelines, and next steps.

The Family Advocate role

The Office of the Medical Examiner has a dedicated Family Advocate who can:

Talk with family members, friends, or family representatives about case inquiries and concerns

Help with case management and status updates

Act as a liaison between families and Medical Examiner staff

Provide information on counseling services, support groups, and community resources

The Family Advocate is part of the broader commitment of the Office of the Medical Examiner to service, compassion, and clear communication during a stressful time. Details about how the office can assist families are outlined on the county’s How Can We Help You? page for the Medical Examiner.

Missing persons and unidentified decedents

The office also assists with missing person concerns in a very specific way. The Medical Examiner:

Accepts missing person reports for comparison to unidentified decedents under its jurisdiction

Coordinates with law enforcement agencies, which remain responsible for broader missing person investigations

Families can use the county’s online tools to submit a missing person report directly to the Office of the Medical Examiner, which will be reviewed for possible matches to unidentified individuals.

Use online tools to check case status and reports

The Office of the Medical Examiner provides several online resources that help families, agencies, and other interested parties access case information.

Online case status

The county maintains a case status site that allows you to search Medical Examiner cases from the previous three years. On the Medical Examiner Case Status page, you can:

Search by case number if you already have it
Use advanced search options such as name, date range, and age range
See whether the Medical Examiner Report is ready
View preliminary information such as manner of death when available

Information shown online is considered preliminary until the Medical Examiner Report is complete. For cases that were initially pending, the site allows families to see when cause and manner of death have been updated.

Medical Examiner reports and public records

During a typical case, the office may prepare several types of reports, such as:

Medical Examiner Report
Toxicology report
Anthropology, neuropathology, or odontology reports when applicable

Copies of available reports can be requested after the case is finalized. The county’s online Public Records Request form for the Medical Examiner is designed to collect the information needed to process these requests.

Key points about report requests include:

Reports are generally available after the case is complete.

Electronic delivery (such as email or fax) does not carry a fee.

Requests by mail or pick-up may involve a small fee, which can be waived for legal next of kin.

The time needed to complete reports varies depending on case complexity, additional testing, and investigative needs.

The office follows state-approved record retention schedules, so very old records may not always be available.

Get clear on death certificates and vital records

The Medical Examiner’s findings and the death certificate are related but not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help families plan and handle legal and financial matters with fewer surprises.

What the Medical Examiner does for the death certificate

For deaths under its jurisdiction, the Office of the Medical Examiner:

Completes the medical portion of the death certificate (cause and manner of death)

Works to do so within statutory time frames, such as 72 hours of the examination when possible

If the cause and manner of death are still being investigated, they may be recorded as “pending” on the initial death certificate. This document is still legal proof of death. When the investigation is complete, an amended death certificate is filed with updated cause and manner.

Where families actually obtain death certificates

Families do not receive death certificates directly from the Medical Examiner. Instead, death certificates are issued by the county’s Office of Vital Registration.

You can learn how to request official certified copies through the county’s Death Certificates page and the broader Vital Records information page. These pages explain:

Eligibility to order a death certificate
How to request certificates in person or online
The information you will need to provide
Typical fees and processing expectations

Often, funeral homes or mortuaries assist families with ordering death certificates as part of their services.

Use official FAQs and guidance to answer common questions

The Office of the Medical Examiner has prepared detailed answers to many questions families ask during and after an investigation. These include topics like:

Why a death was reported to the Medical Examiner
How long an examination or autopsy takes
What “pending” means on a death certificate
How identification of a loved one is confirmed
How and when the decedent is released to a funeral home or cremation provider
What happens to personal effects
How to request an identification meeting under Arizona law

For in-depth explanations in a question-and-answer format, including documents for next of kin in English and Spanish, you can review the county’s Office of the Medical Examiner FAQs.

See how the Medical Examiner supports public health and safety

Beyond individual cases, the Office of the Medical Examiner plays a broader role in community safety and health. The office tracks trends in causes and manners of death and shares information with public health, public safety, and policy partners.

Through reporting and participation in boards and task forces, the office helps identify patterns such as overdoses, violence, or emerging diseases. This information supports prevention efforts, emergency preparedness, and public health initiatives across the county and state.

For a deeper look at its mission, vision, values, and statutory authority, the county provides an overview of the office on its About Us page for the Medical Examiner. That page also lists the key Arizona Revised Statutes that define the Medical Examiner’s responsibilities and powers.

Explore careers and training with the Medical Examiner

The Office of the Medical Examiner covers roughly 9,200 square miles and receives nearly 10,000 reports of death each year. Staff members work in challenging environments and are expected to uphold values such as service, integrity, compassion, positivity, adaptability, teamwork, and healthy boundaries.

People interested in careers or forensic training with the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner can:

Learn more about working in the department from county information pages

Explore specialized training opportunities such as the forensic pathology fellowship program referenced on Medical Examiner resources

Review open positions on the county’s job portal

These roles support not just individual families, but larger public health and safety efforts across Maricopa County.

Use “How Can We Help You?” to find the right path

Because there are many different needs related to a death—case information, missing person concerns, victim services, counseling referrals, and vital records—the county organizes help options in one place. The How Can We Help You? page for the Medical Examiner links families to:

The Family Advocate
Missing person report options tied to the Medical Examiner’s jurisdiction
Victim services connections through other county departments
Vital records and death certificate resources

Using this page, you can quickly see which office or contact is best for your specific situation.

Official Medical Examiner-related departments and contacts

Office of the Medical Examiner – 701 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007; Phone: 602-506-3322; Investigations (24/7): 602-506-1138

Medical Examiner Family Advocate – 701 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007; Phone: 602-506-3176

Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration – Phone: 602-506-6805

Maricopa County Main Line – 301 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003; Phone: 602-506-3011

Maricopa County Medical Examiner FAQs

Is the Medical Examiner building open for walk-in visits right now?

No. The official site explains that the Office of the Medical Examiner facility is undergoing major construction and is closed to the public, so unplanned walk-ins are not accepted. If you need help, start with the main Medical Examiner page on the Maricopa County website, which points you to case tools, forms, and department contacts instead of going to the building in person.

How do I check the status of a Medical Examiner case?

Basic information for Medical Examiner cases from the last three years is available through the county’s online Case Status tool. You can search by case number or use the advanced option to search by name, date range, and age. The listing will show whether the Medical Examiner Report is ready and, when available, the recorded manner of death. If a case was “pending” and now shows a cause of death, the county notes that you should allow time for the amended death certificate to be processed by Vital Records.

How can I request Medical Examiner reports like the autopsy or toxicology?

After a case is finalized, copies of available reports (for example, Medical Examiner, toxicology, or specialty reports) can be requested using the official Public Records Request form for the Medical Examiner. You’ll choose how you want to receive the report; electronic delivery options do not carry a fee, while mailed or in-person pickup copies involve a small charge that may be waived for legal next of kin. Very old records might not be available because the office follows state-approved record-retention schedules.

Where do I get a death certificate if the Medical Examiner handled the case?

The Medical Examiner completes only the medical portion of the death certificate; the certificate itself is issued by county vital records. You can request certified copies directly through the Maricopa County Vital Records page or with help from your funeral home. If the death is still under investigation, the initial certificate may list the cause and manner of death as pending; once the investigation is complete, an amended certificate is filed with updated information.

What county resources exist for families and missing person concerns?

Families who have questions, complaints, or need help navigating a case can use the county’s How Can We Help You? page for the Medical Examiner. From there, you can find the Family Advocate, links to victim services, and directions for requesting counseling or community support. The same page also links to the Medical Examiner’s missing person form, which lets families submit information so the office can compare a missing loved one to unidentified decedents that fall under its jurisdiction.