Mississippi still searching for medical examiner
Published 4:56 pm Monday, May 4, 2009
Mississippi is still searching for a medical examiner.
State Public Safety Commissioner Steve Simpson said the search continues because a suitable candidate has not been found.
Simpson, who completed his first year as commissioner last week, said the reason for the delay is because of the lack of available board-certified forensic pathologists. He said most forensic pathologists are also paid more than the $250,000 annual salary the state is offering.
The state’s last medical examiner, Emily Ward, left in 1995 and the position has been vacant since.
Last year, state lawmakers allocated $500,000 in one-time money toward the office.