Questions to Ask Police, the Coroner, and Victim Advocates After a Homicide

Why Prepared Questions Matter

After a violent death, you'll meet with detectives, medical examiners, victim advocates, and potentially state compensation officials — all within the first two weeks. These meetings happen while you're in acute trauma, when your memory is fragmented and your ability to process complex information is severely impaired.

Walking in with written questions does two things: it ensures you cover the critical ground, and it gives you something concrete to focus on when the conversation becomes overwhelming. Write the answers down during the meeting or ask someone to take notes for you.

Questions for the Police Detective

The detective assigned to the case is your primary contact for investigation updates. They're bound by what they can legally disclose — active investigations limit information sharing — but these questions establish your relationship and your expectations:

• What is the case number, and who is my primary point of contact? (Get a direct phone number and email, not just the precinct's general line.)
• How often will I receive updates on the investigation's progress?
• Was my family member positively identified, and by what method?
• Are there personal belongings in evidence? What items were seized, and what is the case number for the property receipt?
• What is the estimated timeline for releasing personal effects that are being held as evidence?
• Is there a specific timeframe after which "safekeeping" items are disposed of if unclaimed? (In many jurisdictions, items held for safekeeping are destroyed or auctioned after 90 days if no one claims them.)
• Are there any actions I need to take or avoid that could affect the investigation?
• Can I be notified before any public statements or press conferences about the case?

Questions for the Medical Examiner or Coroner

The medical examiner controls the forensic investigation and the release of the body. You won't typically meet the pathologist face-to-face, but you can request information through their office:

• When will the body be released to the funeral home?
• Has the autopsy been completed? Will there be additional examinations?
• What is the expected timeline for toxicology and the final cause-of-death determination?
• Can a certified "Letter of Fact" be issued for insurance or financial institutions confirming the manner of death before the final certificate is ready?
• Were any biological specimens retained? If so, how long will they be held, and what is the process for requesting their return once the case closes?
• If I have religious objections to autopsy, is there a process for filing a Statement of Opposition, and will it be considered?
• How do I request certified copies of the death certificate, and how will I be notified when the pending status is updated?

Questions for Your Victim Advocate

Victim advocates are assigned by the prosecutor's office, the police department, or a nonprofit victim services organization. Their role is to help you navigate the criminal justice and social services systems. The right advocate can save you weeks of confusion.

• What specific services does your office provide to homicide survivors?
• Can you help me register for the state's automated victim notification system so I receive alerts about arrests, releases, and court dates?
• Who should I contact if I need a protective order against harassment (from the suspect's associates, media, or online harassers)?
• Can you help me apply for Crime Victim Compensation? What documentation will I need?
• Are there emergency financial assistance funds available while I wait for compensation or insurance payouts?
• Can you accompany me to meetings with the detective, medical examiner, or insurance company?
• What support services are available for children in my family who are affected?
• Are there peer support groups for families of homicide victims or mass violence survivors in this area?

Questions for the Crime Victim Compensation Program

State CVC programs reimburse funeral costs, counseling, lost wages, and sometimes crime scene cleanup. They operate as the payer of last resort, so documentation matters:

• What is the filing deadline in this state? (Typically one to two years, but some states have shorter windows.)
• What expenses are eligible for reimbursement? Is there a cap on funeral expense coverage?
• Do I need to file with my insurance company first before applying here?
• What documentation do I need to submit with the application? (Police report, death certificate, receipts, proof of relationship.)
• How long does the review process take, and are emergency advances available?
• If the application is denied or the award is insufficient, what is the appeals process?
• Does receiving compensation affect my eligibility for other benefits or a future wrongful death settlement?

One More Thing: Bring Someone with You

Don't attend these meetings alone if you can avoid it. Bring a trusted friend, family member, or your victim advocate. The second person catches details you miss, asks follow-up questions you didn't think of, and provides emotional support when the conversation turns difficult. They also serve as a witness to what was said — which matters if promises aren't kept.

The After a Mass Casualty Event toolkit includes pre-formatted question scripts for each of these meetings, along with a contact log for tracking every official interaction throughout the investigation and claims process.