If law enforcement discovers an unmarked human burial has been disturbed, who should they notify?

When law enforcement discovers that an unmarked human burial has been disturbed, the appropriate course of action is to notify the District Medical Examiner. The District Medical Examiner is responsible for investigating deaths, especially those that may be involved in legal situations, including unexpected or unmarked burials.

In such cases, it is vital to determine the circumstances surrounding the disturbance, confirm the identity of the remains, and assess any potential legal implications. The District Medical Examiner will likely need to conduct an examination and coordinate with other authorities to ensure that the investigation adheres to legal standards and protocols.

The other individuals listed, while they may have roles in burial and funeral practices, do not have the specific legal authority or investigative responsibility related to the discovery of disturbed human remains. For instance, the local police chief may oversee police operations but would defer to the Medical Examiner for medical investigations. A funeral home director is involved in the handling of remains but not in legal or investigatory proceedings regarding disturbed burials. The cemetery owner may have interests in maintaining the grounds but does not have the legal responsibility to examine or investigate the remains.