Crime Beat: Arlene Westervelt – murder or misadventure? Jurisdiction has been assigned to another coroner who will review the entirety of the investigative material and evidence gathered in the case, according to the letter, including the findings of the initial autopsy and the autopsy review.
Coroner Carolyn Maxwell has been assigned to complete that review.“The Coroners Act permits the chief coroner to reopen an investigation if new evidence arises or if the chief coroner considers it would be in the public interest,” a representative from the Coroner’s office said in an emailed statement.“In this case, the chief coroner has determined that it is in the public interest for another coroner to undertake a new investigation to include any new or additional information that may assist the public’s understanding of the circumstances of Arlene Westervelt’s death.”A coroner’s investigation is independent, impartial and objective, the representative continued.“The coroner does not have a vested interest in the outcome of an investigation but will endeavour to ensure that all relevant information is gathered and considered,” they said. “The coroner’s investigation is focused on the facts surrounding the death; specifically, the identity of the deceased, and when, where, how and by what means death occurred.
Coroners have no authority to assign blame or determine fault but are focused on establishing facts as supported by evidence.”Hennig said in a statement that this falls short of what the family wanted, given that Maxwell’s appointment means this review is not independent of the Coroner’s Service.“While I appreciate Chief Coroner LaPointe’s willingness to allow a review, I’m afraid an internal review is meaningless as it.