Need time of death & co coroner unable to provide.

Question

My daughter died 2/2/24. She was only 40 years old. They did an autopsy & found ethylene glycol in her system. Her boyfriend is suspected to be responsible.  Her cell phone records indicate she was afraid of him up to the last we heard from her the night of the incident. The only way we have to tie him to what happened is the time of death.  Yet ~ the coroner says they don't do time of death..???  Isn't it their responsibility & with the autopsy ~ shouldnt they be able to provide this info???  They say it's under investigation ~ yet we can't see that they've done anything & now they inform us that he has fled...what do we do here?? CA

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

I'm deeply sorry for your loss. In California, determining the time of death is typically within the responsibilities of the coroner or medical examiner, especially when an autopsy is conducted. Ethylene glycol poisoning can be fatal, and the presence of this substance in your daughter's system is a significant finding. 
 
Given the situation, here are some steps you can take: 
 
1. Contact Law Enforcement: Since your daughter's death is under investigation and her boyfriend is a suspect, ensure that the local police or sheriff's department is actively pursuing the case. Request regular updates on the investigation's status. 
 
2. Speak with the Coroner's Office: If the coroner's office has not provided the time of death, ask for a detailed explanation. Sometimes, the precise time of death can be challenging to determine, but they should provide an estimated range based on the autopsy findings and other evidence. 
 
3. Hire a Private Investigator: If you believe the investigation is not progressing adequately, consider hiring a private investigator to look into the circumstances surrounding your daughter's death and gather additional evidence. 
 
4. Legal Assistance: Consult with an attorney who specializes in wrongful death or criminal cases. They can help you navigate the legal system, push for more thorough investigations, and potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit if there is sufficient evidence against the boyfriend. 
 
5. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications with law enforcement, the coroner's office, and any other relevant parties. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate the case or pursue legal action. 
 
6. Victim Advocacy Groups: Reach out to victim advocacy groups in California. They can provide support, resources, and potentially help you navigate the criminal justice system. 
 
If you need assistance in finding an attorney or require further guidance, please let me know.

Q: Need time of death & co coroner unable to provide.