If, in any case of sudden, violent or suspicious death, the body is buried without any investigation by the chief medical examiner, or by a county medical examiner or coroner, it is the duty of the chief medical examiner or the county medical examiner or coroner, upon being advised of this fact, to notify the prosecuting attorney of the county, who shall communicate the same to the judge of the circuit court or other court of record having jurisdiction in the county and the judge may order that the body be exhumed and an autopsy performed thereon, as provided in 61-12-10 of this code and the pertinent facts disclosed by the autopsy shall be communicated to the prosecuting attorney of the county.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 61. Crimes and Their Punishment
Article 12. Postmortem Examinations
§61-12-4. Central Office and Laboratory
§61-12-5. Certain Salaries and Expenses Paid by State
§61-12-6. Chief Medical Examiner May Obtain Additional Services and Facilities
§61-12-9. Permits Required for Cremation; Fee
§61-12-10a. Costs of Transportation of Bodies; When State Will Pay; Amount of Payment
§61-12-11. Exhumation; When Ordered
§61-12-12. Facilities and Services Available to Medical Examiners
§61-12-13. Reports and Records Received as Evidence; Copies
§61-12-14. County Coroners; Appointment, Oath, etc.; Duties; Fees
§61-12-15. Disposition of Unidentified and Unclaimed Remains
§61-12-16. Disposition of Unidentified or Unclaimed Remains Pursuant to Legislative Rule