Equivocal Death Analysis
Equivocal Death Investigation
Expert Consultations and Investigations - a Flat Fee Service
Please read this article by Karen concerning this tragedy and might help a loved one and save a life < Understanding Suicide and its Prevention > and her related follow-up blog article < Who Needs an Equivocal Death Case Review >
We offer three levels of flat fee services: Basic Expert Equivocal Death or Injury Causation Analysis, Standard Expert Equivocal Death or Injury Causation Investigation and Advanced Expert Equivocal Death or Injury Causation Investigation. Please contact our office for details and specifics. < Click this link for information and details >
Listen to Dean and karen with Vito Colucci on Crime Time Radio!
We offer three levels of flat fee services: Basic Expert Equivocal Death or Injury Causation Analysis, Standard Expert Equivocal Death or Injury Causation Investigation and Advanced Expert Equivocal Death or Injury Causation Investigation. Please contact our office for details and specifics. < Click this link for information and details >
Listen to Dean and karen with Vito Colucci on Crime Time Radio!
A brief overview of Equivocal Death Analysis (EDA) and Equivocal Death Investigation (EDI), and this unique service for you
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 Subject Matter Experts in Medicolegal Death Investigation and Injury Causation, 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 affiliated 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 - click here to learn how we can help.
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 Subject Matter Experts in Medicolegal Death Investigation and Injury Causation, 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 affiliated 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 - click here to learn how we can help.
Equivocal Deaths - Accident, Homicide or Suicide? Let us help...
Listen to Dean and colleague Don C. Johnson, CLI discuss "Suspicious Suicides" on PI's Declassified
Your concerns are unique - as is Associates in Forensic Investigations. As one of the few husband and wife investigative teams as Certified Death Investigators and Certified Criminal Defense Investigators, and Dean being one of fewer than 80 Certified Legal Investigators, your case will get a thorough and objective expert review. Our conclusions are made within a reasonable factual investigative certainty based on the facts of the case. With our Forensic Pathologist and Forensic Toxicologist available to your case, we provide truthful, unbiased investigative opinions as qualified medicolegal death investigators. From one of our recent clients and investigative colleagues:
"I had originally made a request through various Listserves across the country for information pertaining to a suspicious suicide I was investigating. Dean Beers answered it first by email, and then called on the phone. Over the course of several days, he provided valuable insight based on his experience as a certified Medicolegal Death Investigator. Dean offered his time at no charge. However, because I felt really comfortable with him, and because of his credentials and input, I hired him to write an opinion based on the facts. Dean was a big help in the case, first in volunteering his time and expertise, and second, throughout the course of his written opinion and beyond. Having become a friend and colleague, I would highly recommend him to anyone who has questions about circumstances of a death.Thank you for your assistance in the expert analysis and report of this case. We are sincerely grateful for all you have done. Based on your conclusion, we are definitely going to approach the prosecutor for a reopening of the investigation."
- Alex Toia, CCLA, LPI and President/Case Manager - Alexander Toia Company, LLC
Suicide can affect any family no matter their race, ethnicity, success, wealth or religious beliefs. Our investigators have over 30 years of combined experience working in the public sector in different avenues - including as death investigators, forensic autopsy assistants, legal investigators and experts in investigative protocol and injury causation. Most people come to us when they continue to question whether their loved one committed suicide. Many of you have so many questions, but feel your questions have been unanswered, to put your mind at ease, surrounding your loved one's death. Our agency conducts expert case reviews and we have found the most common cases are suicide reviews.
Who wants to truly believe that one of their own family members, or their best friend would take their life? Many questions come up surrounding their death: What was done or not done to help them?
All of the questions you have are legitimate questions, but you may never know all of the answers. We cannot know what is going through another person’s mind.
We cannot take away your pain, or force you to accept anything surrounding your loved ones death. What we can do is help ease your mind that your case was investigated as appropriately and thoroughly as it should have been. We can help you understand why certain things were done or not done by the professionals who handled your case. We are unbiased and will review your case without prejudice for either you and your family, or the professionals who handled your case to begin with. If there is any question - equivocation - about the circumstances surrounding the death or circumstances, we will bring those to light with supporting facts and documentation with a complete investigation.
We will also tell you if in our professional opinions we believe your case or parts of your case should be re-investigated. Each case is handled as unique, because no two cases are alike just as no two individuals are alike, and your loved one was a unique human being. Many times there is a concern when a death is a suicide, accident or homicide and why some of these cases are ruled as Undetermined by the Medical Examiner. These cases are often in need of an independent and thorough review. On the death certificate you may find the words "Undetermined - Suicide v. Accident" or "Undetermined - Suicide v. Homicide".
These Undetermined cases may also leave you with the most troubling and unanswered questions. You may not feel that the case was investigated thoroughly enough, or that the conclusion is not consistent with all of the evidence. This is when you may want a complete independent review of your case, which is commonly referred to as an Equivocal Death Investigation.
Our agency will properly conduct the investigation by reviewing all available reports, records, and photographs, from all law enforcement, coroner and medical examiner officials, and any other persons involved in your case. Another important component is a psychological autopsy, which is a complete review of your loved ones personal and social background, to include the circumstances surrounding their death.
If you have any questions about what we offer in an expert death case review, contact our agency:
Office (970) 480-7793 ~ Fax (970) 480-7794
Dean's email beersda@DeathCaseReview.com
Karen's email beersks@DeathCaseReview.com
Until that time, take care and may each day find you stronger in coping with your loved one's death.
If you or a loved one has contemplated suicide, suicidal depression or other suicidal ideations
Call 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)
Call 911 or Go immediately to your nearest hospital or medical center
www.suicideresourcecenter.org is a 24/7 resource for you and loved ones
Depression is not the only, or necessarily a warning of, suicidal thoughts: www.suicideresourcecenter.org/Warning_Signs.html
Your concerns are unique - as is Associates in Forensic Investigations. As one of the few husband and wife investigative teams as Certified Death Investigators and Certified Criminal Defense Investigators, and Dean being one of fewer than 80 Certified Legal Investigators, your case will get a thorough and objective expert review. Our conclusions are made within a reasonable factual investigative certainty based on the facts of the case. With our Forensic Pathologist and Forensic Toxicologist available to your case, we provide truthful, unbiased investigative opinions as qualified medicolegal death investigators. From one of our recent clients and investigative colleagues:
"I had originally made a request through various Listserves across the country for information pertaining to a suspicious suicide I was investigating. Dean Beers answered it first by email, and then called on the phone. Over the course of several days, he provided valuable insight based on his experience as a certified Medicolegal Death Investigator. Dean offered his time at no charge. However, because I felt really comfortable with him, and because of his credentials and input, I hired him to write an opinion based on the facts. Dean was a big help in the case, first in volunteering his time and expertise, and second, throughout the course of his written opinion and beyond. Having become a friend and colleague, I would highly recommend him to anyone who has questions about circumstances of a death.Thank you for your assistance in the expert analysis and report of this case. We are sincerely grateful for all you have done. Based on your conclusion, we are definitely going to approach the prosecutor for a reopening of the investigation."
- Alex Toia, CCLA, LPI and President/Case Manager - Alexander Toia Company, LLC
Suicide can affect any family no matter their race, ethnicity, success, wealth or religious beliefs. Our investigators have over 30 years of combined experience working in the public sector in different avenues - including as death investigators, forensic autopsy assistants, legal investigators and experts in investigative protocol and injury causation. Most people come to us when they continue to question whether their loved one committed suicide. Many of you have so many questions, but feel your questions have been unanswered, to put your mind at ease, surrounding your loved one's death. Our agency conducts expert case reviews and we have found the most common cases are suicide reviews.
Who wants to truly believe that one of their own family members, or their best friend would take their life? Many questions come up surrounding their death: What was done or not done to help them?
- Could something have been done to prevent this?
- How could all the signs, leading up to their death, be overlooked?
- Why and how could this ever happen to someone loved so dearly?
- Can you accept their death and the manner in which they died?
All of the questions you have are legitimate questions, but you may never know all of the answers. We cannot know what is going through another person’s mind.
- You cannot understand why your loved one seemed so “happy” before they took their life. This is seen over and over again in suicide cases, and one speculation is that they had been in such inner turmoil with thoughts of suicide that when they finally made the decision they feel inner peace and a sense of happiness and well-being, but only they have the true answer to this question.
- You cannot understand why the toxicology report showed “no drugs or alcohol” in their system, how could they have done this with a clear conscious. Some people who commit suicide do not use drugs or alcohol, one speculation is perhaps they want to make this decision with a clear mind, but only they have the answer.
- You cannot understand why there was no note left behind. Most people who commit suicide do not leave notes behind, which could be for numerous reasons and once again, only they themselves have the answer.
We cannot take away your pain, or force you to accept anything surrounding your loved ones death. What we can do is help ease your mind that your case was investigated as appropriately and thoroughly as it should have been. We can help you understand why certain things were done or not done by the professionals who handled your case. We are unbiased and will review your case without prejudice for either you and your family, or the professionals who handled your case to begin with. If there is any question - equivocation - about the circumstances surrounding the death or circumstances, we will bring those to light with supporting facts and documentation with a complete investigation.
We will also tell you if in our professional opinions we believe your case or parts of your case should be re-investigated. Each case is handled as unique, because no two cases are alike just as no two individuals are alike, and your loved one was a unique human being. Many times there is a concern when a death is a suicide, accident or homicide and why some of these cases are ruled as Undetermined by the Medical Examiner. These cases are often in need of an independent and thorough review. On the death certificate you may find the words "Undetermined - Suicide v. Accident" or "Undetermined - Suicide v. Homicide".
These Undetermined cases may also leave you with the most troubling and unanswered questions. You may not feel that the case was investigated thoroughly enough, or that the conclusion is not consistent with all of the evidence. This is when you may want a complete independent review of your case, which is commonly referred to as an Equivocal Death Investigation.
Our agency will properly conduct the investigation by reviewing all available reports, records, and photographs, from all law enforcement, coroner and medical examiner officials, and any other persons involved in your case. Another important component is a psychological autopsy, which is a complete review of your loved ones personal and social background, to include the circumstances surrounding their death.
If you have any questions about what we offer in an expert death case review, contact our agency:
Office (970) 480-7793 ~ Fax (970) 480-7794
Dean's email beersda@DeathCaseReview.com
Karen's email beersks@DeathCaseReview.com
Until that time, take care and may each day find you stronger in coping with your loved one's death.
If you or a loved one has contemplated suicide, suicidal depression or other suicidal ideations
Call 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)
Call 911 or Go immediately to your nearest hospital or medical center
www.suicideresourcecenter.org is a 24/7 resource for you and loved ones
Depression is not the only, or necessarily a warning of, suicidal thoughts: www.suicideresourcecenter.org/Warning_Signs.html
