Marion County Coroner to film 'Cause of Death' docuseries; office wins award and accreditation

Marion County Coroner Alpharena McGinty said the office is creating a docuseries titled "Cause of Death" in which families have agreed to recount their loved ones' stories and the investigative steps that led to cause-and-manner determinations. “This docuseries called Cause of Death will highlight the stories of some of the cases that we've had and how we got to determine the cause and manner of death,” she said.

McGinty also announced achievements intended to communicate professional standards: the office received the 2026 Medical Legal Death Investigation Office of the Year award from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, and the office earned international accreditation that McGinty said recognizes high standards in conducting death investigations. She framed both items as recognition of staff work and an opportunity to show the community how investigations are performed.

Why this matters: the project and recognitions aim to increase public understanding of death investigations and the office’s professional standards; the docuseries could shape public perception of the coroner's work.