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In reply to the discussion: Donald Trump Raises Suspicions About Justice Scalia's Death [View all]LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)In rural Texas areas, a justice of the peace typically makes the determination of the cause of death in cases when no witnesses were present. An inquest by phone is as valid as one in person under state law. Presidio county Judge Guevara was 60 miles away.
If you have a 79-year-old overweight person and you have a statement from the physician and zero indicators of foul play, then it's not unusual for there to be no autopsy. Judge Guevara spoke with Scalia's doctor on the day he was found dead. The doctor told her that Scalia had a history of heart trouble, high blood pressure and was considered too weak to undergo surgery for a recent shoulder injury.
Guevara said the attorney for Scalia told her the family did not want an autopsy performed because they believe he died of natural causes and they preferred not to delay his body's return to them. Guevara said she consulted with Scalia's physician and the sheriff before deciding.
There is no clear reason for her to have ordered it.