A person may not move, interfere with, or handle the body or the effects of a decedent subject to an investigation by the coroner or medical examiner except upon order of the coroner, medical examiner, assistant, or authorized investigator. The coroner or medical examiner shall take charge of the effects found on or near the body of a deceased person and dispose of them as directed under section 390.225. If a crime is suspected in connection with the death of a deceased person, the coroner or medical examiner may prevent any person, except law enforcement personnel, from entering the premises, rooms, or buildings, and shall have the custody of objects that the coroner or examiner deems material evidence in the case. The coroner or medical examiner shall release any property or articles needed for any criminal investigation to law enforcement officers conducting the investigation, except as noted in section 390.225, subdivision 2. A knowing violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.
1980 c 509 s 147; 1985 c 265 art 7 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1995 c 189 s 8; 1996 c 277 s 1; 2006 c 260 art 8 s 15
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 370 - 403 — Counties, County Officers, Regional Authorities
Chapter 390 — Coroner; Medical Examiner
Section 390.005 — Election Or Appointment, Eligibility; Vacancies; Removal.
Section 390.0065 — Hennepin County Medical Examiner; Selection And Term.
Section 390.01 — Bond And Indemnification.
Section 390.012 — Jurisdiction.
Section 390.04 — Provision For Transfer Of Jurisdiction.
Section 390.05 — Medical Examiner Or Coroner Staff.
Section 390.11 — Investigations.
Section 390.111 — Expenses And Compensation.
Section 390.151 — Organ And Tissue Donation.
Section 390.152 — Cremation Approval.
Section 390.21 — Disposition; Burial.
Section 390.221 — Bodies; Effects; Custody.
Section 390.23 — Death Records.
Section 390.25 — Unidentified Deceased Persons.
Section 390.251 — Request For Examinations.
Section 390.252 — Contracts For Services.
Section 390.31 — Simplified Investigations Of Death.
Section 390.32 — Authority To Conduct Proceedings.
Section 390.33 — Appointment Of Medical Examiner; Inquest.
Section 390.34 — When Sections 390.31 To 390.35 Do Not Apply.
Section 390.35 — Election To Follow Simplified Investigation.