Physicians
The William L. Jenkins Forensic Center physicians are board certified forensic pathologists who perform autopsies, testify in criminal and civil court proceedings, provide medical and resident education, and continuing education to death investigators and local law enforcement. They also advance public health through their investigations of death that present hazards to citizens, such as emerging drug trends, infections and bioterrorism.
Emilie V. Cook, D.O.
Forensic Pathologist/ Forensic Center Director/Chief Medical Examiner for Carter,
Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington Counties
Ami Murphy, D.O.
Forensic Pathologist/Deputy Medical Examiner for Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington
Counties
Andrea Orvik, M.D.
Forensic Pathologist/Deputy Medical Examiner for Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington
Counties
Ellen Wallen, M.D.
Forensic Pathologist/Deputy Medical Examiner for Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington
Counties
Director of Operations
Responsible to the Director of Forensic Pathology for managing the operations of the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center; supervising investigative, technical and departmental staff; ensuring the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center retains accreditation; and, performing other related duties as assigned.
Laura Beth Parsons, BS, F-ABMDI
Director of Operations
Investigations
The forensic center staffs five (5) registered and certified medicolegal death investigators who:
- Receive initial notification of death and gather information to determine whether to accept or decline medical examiner jurisdiction.
- Respond to death scenes and works cooperatively with local investigative agencies to photograph scene and body, perform an initial body examination, interview family members, friends and witnesses to ascertain facts about the circumstances surrounding death. Gather information from interviews as to the decedent’s social history, medical history, and psychological state.
- Collects medical records from decedent’s medical providers and investigative reports from outside agencies.
- Assist the Forensic Pathologist with the identification of the deceased.
- Locate next of kin or legal representative of the deceased and notify them of the forensic center’s involvement.
- Respond to inquiries from family members of the deceased, law enforcement and funeral homes.
- Help facilitate tissue and organ donation in applicable cases.
- Review death certificates for cremation approval.
Investigators
Jasmyn Baumgarder, BS
Medicolegal Death Investigator 1
Cassidy Cooper
Medicolegal Death Investigator 1
Virginia "Jeni" Daniel, RN
Medicolegal Death Investigator 1
Victoria Sanchez, MS
Medicolegal Death Investigator 1
Julia Welch, BS, D-ABMDI
Medicolegal Death Investigator 2
Technicians
Under direct supervision of forensic pathologists provide assistance in all aspects of morgue operations including preparing body for autopsy, photography, radiology, evisceration and body release procedures.
Mark Dunn
Forensic Technician
Savannah Collins
Autopsy Technician
Mercedes Bright
Autopsy Technician
Matthew Dlugosz
Autopsy Technician
Administrative Staff
Ashley Hatfield, CAP
Forensic Center Coordinator
Sarah Craig, CAP
Medical Program Facilitator
Miranda Roberts
Medical Program Facilitator