Homicide

Please refer to immediate practical matters for additional urgent needs and concerns. This section gives a quick overview of specific types of crimes or incidents that you may have experienced. At the end of each section is a list of related resources under Agencies involved.

Contact info for agencies involved is in RESOURCES.

Homicide Detectives go to all scenes of homicide, suicide and unexplained deaths. They will typically make one family member/friend their main contact person for the investigation.

Role of Coroner

Investigators from the Coroner’s Office go to the scene of all homicides. The below information is sourced from the Louisiana Revised Statutes (state laws) that govern the duties and responsibilities of each parish Coroner.

State law requires the Coroner’s office (of the parish where the death occurred) to investigate violent, accidental, or suspicious deaths, and the Coroner releases the body for burial (La. R.S. 13:5706, C (2,3)).

  • The Coroner should be notified before the deceased person’s body is removed or prepared for burial (La. R.S. 13:5712, B).

  • An autopsy is required to be performed when it appears a violation of criminal law contributed to the individual’s death (La. R.S. 13:5713, B (1)) and for an infant under the age of one who dies unexpectedly (La. R.S. 13:5713, C (1)(a)).

  • The Coroner may perform various tests including toxicology (La. R.S. 13:5713, B (4) (a,b)), the results of which can take more time.

  • The Coroner prepares a death certificate with cause and manner of death (accident, suicide, or homicide; La. R.S. 13:5713, E (1,2)).

  • The Bureau of Vital Records issues death certificates. The funeral home can assist with getting a death certificate.

  • The Coroner’s office “shall make every reasonable effort to notify the next of kin,” (La. R.S. 13:5714, A) for types of death that are not natural causes (for a full list, see La. R.S. 13:5713, A). For natural deaths, notification can be handled by hospitals or police.

  • The Coroner’s office keeps the personal effects and property of the deceased (cell phone, clothing, jewelry, etc.), and they can turn them back over once they are no longer needed for the investigation or prosecution. It is unlawful for others besides police, medical professionals, or the Coroner to remove personal effects at a crime scene (La. R.S. 13:5717, A, C).

  • After autopsy, the Coroner releases the body to the family and friends (La. R.S. 13:5715, A (1)). If a cremation is requested, and the Coroner cannot release the body within 30 days, they are to notify the family with the reasons for delay (La. R.S. 13:5716, D).

Wills/estates

An executor represents the decedent’s estate, in a process called a succession. An estate of less than $125,000 typically doesn’t need succession. Louisiana is a community property state, which can impact this process. You may want to find legal guidance [See Civil Legal Matters].

  • Funeral and life insurance may cover some costs

  • If qualified, Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) helps with funeral costs up to $6,500 (if the crime happened before May 1, 2023, it allows up to $5,000). You will only be reimbursed for money spent directly (they will not pay back money that insurance has paid) [See our guide to the program].

Funeral Information

The Federal Trade Commission provides consumer rights and guidance to help you through this process.

Funerals are shockingly expensive, and unfortunately sometimes people try to take advantage of families during this stressful and traumatic time. Funeral homes are required to give you a published price list of all the costs involved. The cost of similar services vary widely between funeral homes so it is advisable to shop around.

  • Most funeral homes will require payment upfront (most do not offer payment plans, but ask if they offer reduced rates). Due to the high costs of funerals, it is common for delays of several weeks, or longer, between the death and funeral.

  • Reach out to nonprofit Wake for help comparing prices, and related services, as well as alternative burial options.

  • Contact nonprofit SilenceIsViolence for recommendations and other practical help.

Other options are to have the body embalmed and dressed for a viewing, and then to cremate the body rather than bury it (burial is more expensive). Or, if a viewing is too expensive, you can request an ID with “minimal preparation” or even just direct cremation. Ashes can be stored at a mausoleum, at the home of a family member, or scattered at a place where a loved one enjoyed spending time. A memorial service may be held if the body is not present. See Wake for information on memorialization alternatives.

If you decide to write an obituary, you may want monetary donations made to a charity or organization. For example, one woman asked people to contribute to restoring a playground her son played in.

If you have safety or retaliation concerns that may arise around the funeral, please speak to your NOPD Victim/Witness Advocate or Detective, a pastor, or community leader [See Community Assistance in our RESOURCES, for other violence reduction groups].

Agencies Involved

NOPD; Orleans District Attorney’s Office DA (after arrest); Coroner’s Office; Bureau of Vital Records; Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office OPSO (if accused is jailed); Federal agencies (some cases); Civil lawyers (wills, lawsuits, etc.) see Legal Assistance; Clerk Connect (to track an Orleans criminal court case) and LA Vine (to sign up for victim notifications of custody status); Wake; SilenceIsViolence (support groups/services, all types of violence with focus on gun violence); UMC Trauma Recovery Center (support groups, all types of violence); Ubuntu Peace Ambassadors for help de-escalating or preventing retaliation or future conflict; NOPD Chaplains (Baptist Community Ministries, works with NOPD); Crime Victims’ Compensation (financial help)