Releasing remains of deceased to next of kin; exception

A dead body, other than skeletal remains, taken into custody under this article shall be released to the next of kin of the deceased, or to the agent of the next of kin, no later than 24 hours after the demand for release by that next of kin, or agent thereof, unless by that time the peace officer, medical examiner, or coroner has made a written finding that foul play may have been involved in the death of the deceased. (Code 1981, § 45-16-25.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 728, § 1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 1735, § 3.) 45-16-26. Assumption of duties by medical examiner in absence of coroner or deputy coroner; signing of death certificates. When there is no coroner or deputy coroner in a county in which the office of coroner has not been replaced by a county medical examiner or when both are absent from the county when needed or will not or cannot perform the duties required under this article, the medical examiner shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the coroner. When the medical examiner is performing the duties of the coroner in such cases, such medical examiner may sign the death certificate except when an inquest is held. (Orig. Code 1863, § 573; Code 1868, § 637; Code 1873, § 596; Code 1882, § 596; Civil Code 1895, § 4074; Penal Code 1895, § 1268; Civil Code 1910, § 4671; Penal Code 1910, § 1350; Code 1933, § 21-204; Ga. L. 1953, Jan.-Feb. Sess., p. 602, § 22; Ga. L. 1984, p. 812, § 3; Ga. L. 1985, p. 843, § 6; Ga. L. 1990, p. 1735, § 3.)