Williamson County’s new death investigator program faces challenges

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Williamson County’s new death investigator program is continuing, but without one of the Justice of the Peace judges. 

Judge Rhonda Redden in Precinct 4 said after careful consideration, she made the decision recently to “discontinue utilizing the services of the Office of the Death Investigator.”

The county hired four death investigators late last year to support the judges who determine cause and manner of death and handle court dockets. They were each assigned to a judge and helped take death calls, go to scenes and prepare reports.  

Judge Redden explained in an emailed statement to KXAN investigators, that it’s her responsibility to ensure that her office operates with the highest level of professionalism, efficiency, and mutual respect.

“This decision was based on the need to maintain a cohesive and cooperative working environment that aligns with the standards and expectations of the JP4 office,” she added. “I remain committed to conducting thorough and respectful death investigations for the citizens I serve, and will continue to work closely with all appropriate agencies and partner organizations to ensure that standard is upheld.”

KXAN recently detailed concerns from the judges who were hoping to see some relief with the added staff. They shared that despite the new hires, their workload remains heavy as the county’s population grows, and death cases become more complex.

The county anticipates a 25% increase in death cases this year — about 1,500 inquests. The positions were created as a solution since the county currently has no medical examiner’s office. The judges request autopsies from either a local, private forensics firm or in neighboring Travis County, and ultimately sign death certificates. 

“The death investigator program is continuing, but without Judge Redden’s involvement at her request. We will take the next 30 days to evaluate how best to manage the program,” said Rebecca Clemons, county manager for Williamson County.

Clemons oversees the death investigator program and recently told KXAN that the team is unique because of their forensic experience. She added that there will be challenges with any newly created program and the county continues to have conversations with everyone involved to make the process more seamless.

The judges said earlier this month, they remain committed to working with the county on a long-term solution which could include a medical examiner’s office or restructuring the current death investigator program. 

The county has a location for the future medical examiner’s office, but no timeline has been discussed. Efforts continue by lawmaker after the 2025 legislative session to attract more medical examiners to Texas after KXAN’s “A Hanging on Backbone Creek” investigation, which revealed that only 14 counties have medical examiner’s offices.