Unfortunately this is the time of year in which suicides increase.  Please read this article by Karen concerning this tragedy and might help a loved one and save a life < Understanding Suicide and its Prevention > 

_One of the most common questions in death investigation is:  "Was it a Suicide?".  This question may often go unanswered due to lack of sufficient official investigation or attention to evidence.  This leaves the possibility of closure for the families impossible, particularly if foul play is suspected, or even an accident.  The wrong determination can also result in benefits, such as life insurance or worker compensation, underpaid - or worse, denied. 

At Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC (AFI-LLC), we have found that families, as well as our colleagues and attorney clients, are often unsure if a complete investigation is necessary, or how to determine the necessity of a full Equivocal Death Investigation.  Often, just the assurance that a proper investigation was completed is all that is necessary, and warranted.

We are experts in Medicolegal Death Investigation, there are a limited number of qualified experts in the country, very few with the team work combined with our education, training and skills, and even fewer with affiliate forensic experts that include a forensic pathologist and forensic toxicologist, as well as other available specialties.

First, what is ‘Equivocal’?
Equivocal is unanswered, or lingering questions.

Second, what is the difference between ‘Analysis’ and ‘Investigation’?
In an analysis we will review specific information to determine if proper protocols were followed. 

You have contacted AFI-LLC because you have unanswered and lingering questions.

The purpose of an analysis is two-fold.  The first is to determine if there is a recommendation to conduct an in-depth investigation; and second, to determine the recommendations.
 
It is our experience that most death investigation cases presented to us were conducted under accepted and recommended protocols and procedures.  We cannot address those that have not presented to us, your experience may be different.  Additionally, we have often found that a review of specific information to determine if proper protocols were followed is sufficient and justified.

We have developed this flat fee service as both to assist loved ones to work towards a peace of mind and in the best interests of economic considerations.  For our colleagues and attorney-clients, this is the first step in determining if there are concerns and if additional resources should be consulted or a more in-depth investigation pursued.

__AFI-LLC will provide the following analytical services for a flat fee of $500:

• Review law enforcement records and reports
• Review medicolegal death investigation records and reports
• Review autopsy reports
• Review photographs

This review is NOT investigative, nor will AFI-LLC be able to answer the questions of Cause of Death and Manner of Death.  This is a review of the official investigation to determine if accepted and standard medicolegal death investigation procedures and protocols were followed.

At the conclusion of this review we will provide a letter of our expert opinion to answer this question.  If we find that there were errors or omissions, we may recommend additional steps, including an in-depth Equivocal Death Investigation (EDI).  Due to the nature of EDIs, these cannot be provided at a flat fee.

It is our purpose to provide answers where possible and provide our clients with the most honest and compassionate expert analysis.

We look forward to answering your questions and assisting using the highest standards.  Please feel free to < Contact Us > if you have any questions and to engage our services.

Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI
Board Certified Legal Investigator and Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigators
Certified in Medicolegal Death Investigation

Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC < Associates@Forensic-Investigators.com >