New Mexico halts autopsies for Navajo Nation

Tuesday, May 29, 2007  

The state of New Mexico has stopped performing autopsies for the Navajo Nation because the tribe hasn't paid its bills.

The state Office of the Medical Investigator placed a moratorium back in April 2006. The tribe owes $254,000, associate director Tim Stepetic said.

The moratorium has had an impact on certain death cases. The most extreme homicide cases, however, are handled by the FBI.

The Navajo Nation Council has failed to act on measures to provide funding for the autopsies, a tribal official said.

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Overdue bills prompt New Mexico to halt autopsies (AP 5/29)