Question by No55: Looking into father’s death, getting police records, so on?
In 1995 my father died of a gun shot wound to the head. Before the police even filed a report, the coroner deemed it a suicide. Some people in my family say he killed himself, others say he didn’t. I can never tell what’s the truth and what’s a lie or personal opinion.
I need answers. I need to know, as much as possible, what really happened so that i can take the steps to move on. I’ve been thinking of doing it since i was 14 years old (i’m now 19) so trust me, i’ve thought this through a million times over. I know that i will learn things i probably don’t want to know, but i’m still willing to face that problem when the time comes. I cant handle this “what if” that’s hanging over my head.
Anyway, i know i need to contact the county who handled it. What i really need is information.
Since i’m his daughter, do i have the right to look at any record relating to his death (or any medical records before his death)? I’m an adult, as well, so being a minor is not an issue.
Can the county or hospital deny me his records?
And once (or if) i get the records, then what? Where do i start?
@ John
But here’s the thing that gets me. My father shot his gun left handed. The gun that killed him was fired with his right hand. Also, the bullet wasn’t fired into his temple or under his chin or anything like that. It entered just under his earlobe. Also, he had fallen out of his chair because he was leaning forward when he was shot; don’t people usually lean back when shooting themselves?
And another thing; the cops weren’t sure what happened. The investigator stated many times, even to the coroner, that he believed it was an accident. Among the other things i mentioned above, his gun cleaning kit was out at the time it happened. The investigator had even thrown a fit when the coroner ruled it with out waiting for his official report. So you can see why i’m left wondering.
Also, i was four at the time. My older brother wasn’t even six yet. It happened while we were in the house, and my mother had gone to the store. She had been gone half an hour, at the most. And i also wonder
the thing cut me off. Anyway, my point was; i have to know. I cant move on until i do, end of story. I’m a big girl, and a strong person. I dont need people trying to protect me by hiding the truth and lying. In the end, my dad is still dead and nothing will change that. But knowing why, even if that means he left on purpose, will allow me to move on and live my life.
Best answer:
Answer by Sarina
most criminal cases or investigations are open to the public and you can freely access them or get records of them from the county easily unless they are open or listed as classified. Medical records are different but if anything you need to get legal documents from a lawyer to get access to those files. If you do get the files and want the case reopened you can petiton the county that took care of the investigation to reopen the file or you can hire your own investigator to do so.
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