Whenever in the opinion of the state's attorney and either the sheriff or coroner it is deemed necessary, the state's attorney or coroner shall have authority to order the disinterment of any dead body within their county and to authorize the removal of such body under the supervision of the coroner for the purpose of examination and autopsy.
11-19.1-15. Notice of next of kin, disposition of personal belongings - Disposition of body when next of kin cannot be found. The coroner of the county in which a death is discovered shall take charge of the case and ensure that relatives or friends of the deceased individual, if known, are notified as soon as possible, giving details of the death and disposition of the deceased individual. If the relatives or friends of the deceased are unknown, the coroner shall dispose of the personal effects and body in the following manner: 1. After using such clothing as may be necessary in the final disposition of the body, the remaining personal effects of the deceased must be turned over to law enforcement for appropriate disposition. 2. The remains must be: a. Disposed of in accordance with section 23-06-14; or b. Otherwise disposed of in accordance with the laws governing final disposition of residents within the state who are indigent.
11-19.1-16. Coroner's fees paid out of county treasury - Fees to be charged by coroner - Duty of county auditor - Certain expenses paid by the state. 1. The fees and mileage as provided by section 11-10-15 allowed to the coroner shall be paid out of the county treasury of the county of residence of the deceased person and the coroner's bill shall be presented to the county auditor and shall be paid upon approval and order of the board of county commissioners. 2. The department of health and human services shall audit, and if found correct, certify for payment by the state treasurer duly itemized and verified claims of the coroner, the coroner's medical deputy, and pathologist for the necessary expenses incurred or paid in the performance of an autopsy of a child whose cause of death was suspected to have been the unexplained sudden death in infant or child with or without intrinsic or extrinsic factors, or both.