W. Va. Code § 61-12-11
Current through 2024 First Special Session
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.
W. Va. Code § 61-12-11