With Peterson case as backdrop, Will Co. debates coroner's office

Members of the Will County Board heard today from a noted forensic pathologist as they consider whether to eliminate the elected office of coroner.

Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner who conducted an independent autopsy on the body of the third wife of former Bolingbrook police Sgt. Drew Peterson, said a medical examiner is better educated and equipped to deal with a crime scene. He also said while more expensive, a medical examiner typically makes fewer mistakes.

Coroner Pat O'Neil also addressed the board and praised his office as well-trained. He questioned why the board would consider a move that could cost taxpayers significantly more when his budget requests have been denied.

Will County Board Chairman Jim Moustis said it's not always about cost.

"It's about best practices, it's about justice, it's about doing things right," he said.

There isn't just one particular case fueling the idea to change from a coroner-based system. "It becomes apparent as you are urbanizing that there are more and more incidents that are more complex," Moustis said.

However, the discussion to eliminate the coroner for a medical examiner comes after questions were raised about the handling of the inquest into the 2004 death of Peterson's ex-wife, Kathleen Savio, by the coroner's office. Her death, initially ruled accidental, has now been reclassified a homicide.

A dozen county coroners from throughout the state attended the meeting in support of O'Neil.

DuPage County Coroner Peter Siekmann defended the job a coroner does.

"We've got board-certified forensic pathologists that we use when we need them, just like Cook County," he said.

Cook County currently has the only medical examiner's office in the state.

No action was taken by the Will County Board. Officials say they may ask voters for their opinion in a referendum.