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Source: https://www.wmar2news.com/news/loca...re-parking-garage-as-200-bodies-await-autopsy
Morgue operating in Baltimore parking garage as 200 bodies await autopsy
FEMA sending the OCME support staff
By: Abby Isaacs
Posted at 5:58 PM, Feb 15, 2022
and last updated 6:16 PM, Feb 15, 2022
BALTIMORE — The Maryland Office of Chief Medical Examiner is experiencing an unprecedented backlog of autopsies. The delays mean families are having to wait weeks to say goodbye to their loved ones who were murdered or overdosed.
“The bodies are piling up and decaying right in front of everyone’s eyes,” said Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Council 3, which has members who are autopsy assistants and forensic investigators. “Bodies are decomposing and that’s not the way to treat those that have lost their lives and families who are looking for closure.”
More than 200 bodies are awaiting autopsy. Moran said members of the union describe a gruesome scene at the agency in Baltimore, which is responsible for investigating violent or suspicious deaths, including all deaths unattended by a physician.
“It’s pretty vile and it’s pretty unhealthy,” said Moran.
Running out of space, the Maryland Department of Health converted a parking garage downtown into a morgue until a permanent expansion can be built...
...Dr. Chan said the backlog has been rising for the last few weeks. It’s caused by high vacancy rates (17.2 percent in December) and increasing numbers of murders and drug overdoses, which are resource-intensive cases...
Morgue operating in Baltimore parking garage as 200 bodies await autopsy
FEMA sending the OCME support staff
By: Abby Isaacs
Posted at 5:58 PM, Feb 15, 2022
and last updated 6:16 PM, Feb 15, 2022
BALTIMORE — The Maryland Office of Chief Medical Examiner is experiencing an unprecedented backlog of autopsies. The delays mean families are having to wait weeks to say goodbye to their loved ones who were murdered or overdosed.
“The bodies are piling up and decaying right in front of everyone’s eyes,” said Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Council 3, which has members who are autopsy assistants and forensic investigators. “Bodies are decomposing and that’s not the way to treat those that have lost their lives and families who are looking for closure.”
More than 200 bodies are awaiting autopsy. Moran said members of the union describe a gruesome scene at the agency in Baltimore, which is responsible for investigating violent or suspicious deaths, including all deaths unattended by a physician.
“It’s pretty vile and it’s pretty unhealthy,” said Moran.
Running out of space, the Maryland Department of Health converted a parking garage downtown into a morgue until a permanent expansion can be built...
...Dr. Chan said the backlog has been rising for the last few weeks. It’s caused by high vacancy rates (17.2 percent in December) and increasing numbers of murders and drug overdoses, which are resource-intensive cases...
