macomb county morgue death
Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. According to the prosecutor's office, Hayden brought her 7-month-old son A'Mar Griffin, to Childrens Hospital of Michigan in Detroit on Oct. 11, 2020. The Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her mom's death an overdose due to multiple prescription drugs. The complainant says she endured as much as she could until May of this year. The county signed a new contract with an office management company to oversee the process. "No, I did not have any of it. That employeea death investigator and person of color said she long wanted to report the offensive behavior, but feared retaliation so she stayed quiet. Vital Records Request Form Download the Macomb County Vital Records Request Form and Instructions (PDF) The investigation has been going on for a "few months.". But when she thought about the cake, her blood boiled. Two Macomb County employees were fired after allegedly stealing drugs from the medical examiner's office, county officials announced at a news conference Friday. The officials made and/or influenced the unlawful decision to terminate Plaintiff because of her protected activity under the Free Speech Clause. McKinnon said that the threeterminated employees were let go for being part of a sexual discriminatory workplace,not for racism, and that investigators have not been able to substantiate any allegations involvingracism. Blood-soaked Idaho crime scene 'major challenge' for investigators, expert says, This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. She switched to thenight shift for awhile. The investigator responded no, then asked if she herself had frosted the cake with a black penis. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, three female employees with the Medical Examiner's office were fired last week for alleged workplace misbehavior that one workersays went on for at least five years. That employee was fired after filing her EEOC complaint, which is still pending. Apr. Hackel requested more control over that part of the operation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And things have gotten worse, says the death investigator, alleging:"Within the past two years, the hostile work environment has progressively worsened and the harassment has amplified. The Medical Examiner's office will be closed on the following days: Medical Examiner - Frequently Asked Questions. The Medical Examiner's office also determines whether or not autopsies should be conducted. Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office When the parents arrived, theyhad difficulty identifying the body, unsure that it was their son. During the cake incident, multiple employees complained, but nothing happened, the complaint alleges. The crude confection lingered in a lunchroom at the Macomb County Medical Examiner's . So she filed a complaint with the EEOC and Macomb County. The 32-year-old woman stole drugs. At a Friday morning news conference held at the offices of the Communications and Technology Center and Roads Department in Mount Clemens, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel announced two. For the second time in three years, employees have been fired from the Macomb County morgue for wrongful behavior. Other allegations included employees mocking Blacks asking about the death of their loved ones, bullying and the displaying of pornography around the workplace. Mt. The 2020 firings prompted the county and Spitz to insert language into his new contract with the county, effective Jan. 1, 2022, to clarify he does not manage the office. The Medical Examiner's office investigates deaths due to violence, accidents and those not attended by a physician. According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, Jocelyn Fetting, 32, is. However, the doctor said that the child was already showing signs of rigor mortis and the baby had been dead for a few hours before he was brought into the hospital. All Rights Reserved. The prosecutor also said Hayden had received $15,000 in jobless benefits in four months plus food stamps and cash assistance from the state. FOX 2 Detroit. I mean, as large as the sheriffs office is -- I have four people that have access to our property room. February 2, 2023 / 6:38 PM Man Threatens To Shoot Up Macomb Co. McDonald's: Sheriff, Clinton Township Woman Injured In Detroit Freeway Shooting: Police, Clinton Township Woman Steals Money From Senior Care Trust Fund: AG, Pre-Planning Seminar with Resurrection Cemetery, Detroit Mercy's Antoine Davis Falls Just Short Of NCAA Record, Pandemic Emergency Food Stamp Benefits End For 1.3M In Michigan, When Will It Feel Like Spring In MI: Farmers Almanac Outlook, 3 Open Houses For You In The Clinton Township Area. An anonymous tip received in April 2022 led the sheriff's office to investigate Fetting and Kettlewell. Not only was the cake offensive, says one investigator, but it highlighteda chronic problem at the morgue that has now cost three employees their jobs. 2023 www.freep.com. Find 24 listings related to Macomb County Morgue in Adair on YP.com. I do not manage (county) employees, I do not hire, I do not fire, I do not discipline employees, Spitz said. Jacob Kettlewell, 50, is charged with larceny and use of a controlled substance. Jacob Kettlewell, 50, is accused of taking an occasional pill from the medical examiners office and consuming it, according to authorities. Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner, a Coroner & Medical Examiner, at Elizabeth Street, Clinton MI. Suggest Listing It was also alleged Black families of deceased individuals were treated differently by morgue employees, and employees who complained were bullied. Wickersham compared that to his department, where only four people have access to the evidence room, and he is not one of them. Penis screen savers. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Two employees with the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office are facing charges after authorities allege they stole drugs from people at the morgue. December 9, 2022 Two Macomb County employees were fired after allegedly stealing drugs from the medical examiner's office, county officials announced at a news conference Friday. Nobody wants to terminate employees. Spitz said prior contract language was vague as to his role in the office and that he was the who proposed the new language that was accepted by the county administration. Find 4 Coroners & Medical Examiners within 35.3 miles of Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner. The employees, a 50-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, allegedly took some drugs instead of properly disposing of them. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. A woman and a man who worked at the Macomb County Morgue have been charged for stealing drugs off of bodies, prosecutors said. Prosecutors say Fetting allegedly took drugs from the medical examiner's office with the internet to sell, while Kettlewell took an occasional pill to consume. Officers caught up with Carnell Franklin-Smith, 34, and Benjamin Pearce, 29, who had been at the house the day before to transport James Davis' body to the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. Over the last five years, the death investigator says she's been forced to work in a cliquey environment where sex is often joked about, especially male genitalia. Macomb Township Authorities are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found Sunday on a sidewalk, officials said. This is the second time in three years the medical examiner's office has come under fire. "All these cities are on fire for the Black Lives Matter movement, and here's my staff eating a black penis cake as a joke? The new contract includes an opt-out with a 90-day notice, Hackel said, and it gives the county more control over contracted work. And to prevent this from happening again, the sheriff's office will take custody of medical inventory going forward because they have a better inventory process. Shantavia Hayden was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her 7-month-old after the baby was starved to death in 2020. Full-Time. Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner (Clinton, MI - 19.5 miles) . "I was lividfurious actually," the woman said in a recent interview with the Free Press. One likely took the drugs and another likely attempted to sell them, the officials said. Assistant prosecutors John Pietrofesa and Andrew McGarrow tried the case, calling . The death investigator says multiple people have complained about the "unprofessional decorum" in the past, but to no avail. CountyOffice.org does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). was a question she often heard when dealing with upset families, she said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The complainant was told the Free Press that she wanted to report the conduct sooner but feared retalitation from co-workers. One employee supposedly resold the drugs while the other kept them for personal use, they said. Popularity:#7 of 83 Coroners & Medical Examiners in Michigan#158 in Coroners & Medical Examiners. Secretary /Deputy Coroner. This was not onlyignored by managing personnel, but participated in by the supervising staff.". He or she then prepares a written autopsy report. A Roseville man who was fatally shot by police on April 26 after a crash in Roseville loved to fish, was a Green Bay Packers fan and was generous with his time and money, according to an online obituary.. Frank Robles, 57, was a Roseville resident for 46 years and a graduate of Brablec High School, according to the obituary on the Kaul Funeral Home website. Spitzs inactive role in management was clarified in the new deal approved last December effective Jan. 1. Spitz said after the press conference he wanted to make it clear that under the new contract, he has had no management control over the 16 county employees in the office; he only oversees himself and two other forensic pathologists. They did note a separate incident where 20 hydrocodone pills went missing from the evidence room, but said they do not know who took them. Fetting and Kettlewell were bothfired from the medical examiner's office. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Keith Appling was sentenced to 18-40 years in prison following his guilty plea for a fatal shooting in 2021. 5MOUNT CLEMENS A former investigator with the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office is suing the directors of multiple county agencies, claiming they allowed a work environment that . Find Death Records and Vital Records related to Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner. The dispute is now in the hands of the U.S. The deal includes an opt-out with 90 days notice. Was she whining, overly sensitive? Contact Emma Stein: estein@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @_emmastein. Kaiyanni Jones, who was 1 year and 11 . All rights reserved. Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office . The investigator noted that she did questionherself before coming forward. Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner/Coroner's Office. The Wayne County Medical Examiner & Coroner creates death records that can be used in criminal investigations, to resolve insurance claims, or to monitor Detroit public health. In 2020, three employees were fired after alleged sexist and racist behavior, including a penis cake that showed up at the office the day after George Floyd's death. In 2013, the county Board of Commissioners balked at renewing his contract after former employees accused Spitz of a tyrannical regime and forcing them out after he took over. "She began to laugh and stated, 'Yes, I did,' " the complaint states. 3 The Macomb County Morgue Credit: Macomb County The Macomb County Health Department operates the Medical Examiner's (ME) office, which is charged with investigating deaths due to violence, accidents and those not attended by a physician. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Hours and Location Both employees were fired in December. The Free Press did not identify the individual, but described her as a death investigator who worked at the morgue as well as a person of color. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. - A woman and a man who worked at the Macomb County Morgue have been charged for stealing drugs off of bodies, prosecutors said. Morgue employees often take medicine found at a . Throughout the investigation, the sheriff's office interviewed all 19 employees who had access to the property room, Wickersham said. The death investigatorsays that she has often been given the responsibility of identifying the bodies of African Americans whose families have been considered "hostile" or "difficult" by office staff. Key Information Hours Staff are available to take your calls Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 586-469-5214. An application for burial assistance must be made no later than 10 business days after the burial, cremation or donation takes place. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Macomb County Morgue locations in Adair, MI. Contract position. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Two employees with the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office are facing charges after authorities allege they stole drugs from people at the morgue.. Schiphol - Arriving and departing, Transfers, Layovers and Luggage storage. Contact the Medical Examiner's office at (586) 469-5214 or email us now. Staff are available to take your calls Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at (586) 469-5214. Shantavia Hayden was convicted of second-degree murder in September after a two-week-long trial. Nine months later, a Ferndale man overdosed on multiple prescription pain . That really pushed me over the edge.". "Are they a black family?" Macomb County officials on Thursday will consider settling a federal lawsuit filed over two years ago by a former morgue employee who claims she was fired for reporting health and safety violations. "Its despicable that a mother would starve her child to death. Expect More from Local 4 News at 5. A death investigator at the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office filed a July 18 complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding the explicit cake an off-duty staffer . The Macomb Daily reported that the four employees, a group comprised of a two morgue technicians, an investigator and the manager, were fired on Thursday following a July 18 complaint issued by. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. The missing hydrocodone pills were not recovered. U.S. District Judge Terreance Berg wrote In his 2021 ruling to dismiss the public-policy claim but maintain the free speech and whistleblower protection claims that Spitzs exact role was not clear but that he did have some influence in decision-making at the time of Struckels firing. Authorities said the office takes medications and narcotics from people who have died as part of the death investigation. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WXMI) The Kent County Medical Examiner ruled a 1-year-old's death a homicide, the Grand Rapids Police Department said Tuesday. Employees brought in a cake to the office that contained a black penis made of frosting the day after George Floyds death, and pornographic images of mostly men were placed on a wall and computer screen-savers, officials said. That role was fully granted to county officials. "I felt that it was so egregious, so out of line and so brazenly conducted on a daily basis and nobody cared.". The EEOC does not comment on investigations. A pathologist who studies the cause and effects of disease and injury, then gathers specimens of the organs and body fluids for testing. Posted on 21 novembre 2021; By; country music lifestyle (0) Comment. Two Macomb County employees were fired after allegedly stealing drugs from the medical examiner's office, county officials announced at a news conference Friday. In addition to the county, defendants include William Ridella, retired director of Macomb County Public Health; Deputy County Executive Andrew McKinnon, who was director of Human Resources at the time; and county Medical Examiner Dr. Daniel Spitz and his company, Spitz Pathology Group. Purpose. The development has prompted Hackel and his administration to look into the countys existing four-year, $2.5 million contract with Dr. Daniel Spitz of Spitz Pathology Group that went into effect last January. "I was livid furious actually," the woman told the Free Press. Forensic Examinations 572 Local deaths (those that occur within the boundaries of Macomb County) that fall under the jurisdiction of "'That cake is disgusting," she said she told her. Fraser City Clerk 33000 Garfield Road Fraser, MI 48026 586-293-1877 Directions. The death investigator says that over the years, she has heard multiple racist and insensitive comments from staff when dealing with African American families who have come to the morgue to inquire about their loved ones. A fourth employee remains on paid administrativeleave as investigators continue to questionformer employees about allegations involving racist and sexist behavior in the office. 2023 FOX Television Stations, The heaviest snow is behind us heading into the weekend, Snow storm shuts down Detroit Metro Airport, Power outages hit Metro Detroit hard as winter storm pounds area, WATCH - Jennifer Hammond talks with Detroit Titans guard Antoine Davis after coming up just short of the NCAA all-time scoring record, Suspect still wanted after brutal beating of victims after they shoveled his snow last winter in Detroit, Inside the Paint Bus - an art studio on wheels born in Detroit, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, New 5G cell tower on Wyandotte elemntary school has parents livid as meeting turns hostile, Southeast Michigan weather: The latest totals and what to expect tonight. County medical examiner. When the investigatorcalled 911 and a supervisor to report the incident, the supervisor "later called back and said, 'Are they black? The data and information provided herein is intended for the private non-commercial use of the general public. Berg agreed with Struckels attorney, Joel Sklar, in his opinion to deny dismissal of the free-speech claim that her complaints were made as a private citizen because as a morgue technician she had no management duties and her speech was of public concern. Her reporting of alleged violations was aimed at bringing to light public safety issues, potential wrongdoing and public trust, the lawsuit says. Macomb, MI. The assistant prosecutors trying the case argued to have her sentence be at the top of the guidelines and succeeded. The Macomb County Health Department operates the Medical Examiner's (ME) office, which is charged with investigating deaths due to violence, accidents and those not attended by a physician. Hayden brought the 7-month-old to the emergency room where a physician tried to save the baby's life. Visit Medical Examiner - Coroner Website. Commissioners wanted him to be more responsive to questions and expressed concerns about operations. The death investigator tells a different story. The next court date is scheduled for May 9. But, maybe also check first with the place where she would be cremated, make sure they will take her after a couple days Back in 2017 we debunked a story that a Texas . When we hearthese types of allegations, we take them seriously and we take quick action.". "The office culture is tainted with racism toward people of color. While authorities were interviewing all the employees, Fetting and Kettlewell admitted to pocketing drugs. To sign up for email updates from Macomb County or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your email address. The following death benefits are deducted from the SER payment: Both employees were fired in December. The county sheriff's office conducted a . article. First published on February 2, 2023 / 6:38 PM. Struckel, who worked in the field for over 20 years, was fired in September 2020 after three days on the job because she says she reported about 10 violations, including employees not being fit tested for N95 masks worn during autopsies, lack of annual TB testing of employees, lack of radiation monitors during dental x-rays, no training for proper disposal of needles and clinical waste and staff wearing contaminated scrubs home from the morgue, according to the amended complaint filed in December 2020. 43525 Elizabeth Road, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. The jury returned a guilty verdict two hours after getting the case. Morgue employees often. The Medical Examiner's office also determines whether or not autopsies should be conducted. Kettlewell is charged with larceny less than $200 and controlled substance use. Morgue employees often take medicine found at a crime scene to compare it to the result of a toxicology report, said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. A cake decorated with a black penis has sparked grave allegations of workplace racism at a Michigan morgue. Self-Service Web. Admin Assistant, Clerical. Two former employees of Michigan's Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office stand accused of stealing drugs from bodies at the morgue. The Macomb Daily reported that the four employees, a group comprised of a two morgue technicians, an investigator and the manager, were fired on Thursday following a July 18 complaint issued by another employee. After lunch, the partially eaten cake was left on the counter. (586) 469-5214. Last month, former . Location What is there to see and do? They discovered minimal oversight of the evidence room and the chain of custody for items, often drugs, taken from death scenes, officials said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Macomb, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Wayne 313-577-2890 business hours 313-577-1198 after hours/weekends In no case may a funeral director apply for SER for an unclaimed body. "I have witnessed co-workers crying at their desks, crying in the parking lot, and crying in the bathroom of the building," her complaint states. (CBS DETROIT) - Two Macomb County workers are charged after stealing drugs from the medical examiner's office. Recently, a distraught family appeared at the morgue and damaged some doors. "The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office does not investigate and does not try cases in the media. In 2018, the most recent year for which data are available, the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office investigated 3,061 deaths, performed 531 complete autopsies, 121 external examinations. Now that the investigation is complete, the appropriate charges have been brought against the two former medical examiner's employees," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a press release. View map of Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner, and get driving directions from your location. She noted the masks provide protection against the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens. MACOMB COUNTY, MI Three female employees at the Macomb County morgue have been fired after accusations of sexism and racist, according to reports. Watch the 5 p.m. news live right now on Local 4+. The prosecutor sad Hayden had enough food and financial assistance to keep the baby fed and had received 16 cans of formula during A'Mar's life - including seven of them just three days before he died. Printed images of naked men and penis-shaped confetti scattered on desks, counters and the floor. Kettlewell is charged with larceny, a 93-day misdemeanor, and use of a controlled substance, a one-year misdemeanor. . Friends remember Detroit sports media mainstay Jamie Samuelsen, Mitch Albom: Burying the unclaimed dead shows the greatest respect for life, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, A decomposed body of an African American male had arrived at the morgue. The Free Press has agreed to withhold the employee's name at this time because of the nature of the complaint and her concerns about retaliation. The facility was expanded in 2021. The county Board of Commissioners on Thursday is scheduled to go into closed session to discuss settlement of the lawsuit. MACOMB. Thirty-two-year-old Jocelyn Fetting and 50-year-old Jacob Kettlewell allegedly stole over a thousand pills from the facility's property room, Fox 2 reported Wednesday. Another one alleging similar claims was filed in 2016 and is still pending. Both Kettlewell and Fetting were arraigned Wednesday (Feb. 1) at 41B District Court. According to the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Officer, Robertson died from multiple blunt force injuries. The Macomb County morgue is buriedin scandalinvolving allegationsof all sorts: Employeesmocked Blacks inquiring about loved ones' deaths, hung pornographyin the office, bullied women who complained and recently brought in a birthdaycake frosted with male genitalia artfor fun, according to a formal complaint. All of this was part of the office decor, her complaint alleges. The death investigator recalled one of the morgue workers telling her: "Show them a picture of his penis. 2 Macomb County Medical Examiner Daniel J. Spitz, M.D. obtained from the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office through a Freedom of Information . Los Angeles County Office of Decedent Affairs (County Morgue/Cemetery) Phone: (323) 409-7161. einouye@dhs.lacounty.gov. Jocelyn Fetting, 32, of Chesterfield, and Jacob Kettlewell, 50, of Oxford, are accused of stealing 1,200 pills from the property room at the office. The Coroner and Medical Examiner determines a deceased person's time and cause of death, often in the case of sudden or unexpected deaths. There was one gunshot wound to the head entering on the right cheek . airport searched following CSC allegation against aviation club member, ROUNDUP: L'Anse Creuse North finishes sixth in state competitive cheer finals, Warren City Council nixes Ryan Road condo plan, County Line Road closing over I-94 for bridge work in northern Macomb, Man with a beef for McDonald's workers in Richmond accused of threatening to shoot up eatery, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. "Were supposed to set an example. "We needed more control over what's going on with managing the facility, employees that are over there," Hackel said. They're either "viciouslyharassed," she alleges, or bullied into resigning. Perform death investigations that occur within Macomb County, prepares detailed reports and analysis on investigation of cases, identify deceased's . 2023 FOX Television Stations, allege they stole drugs from people at the morgue, The heaviest snow is behind us heading into the weekend, Snow storm shuts down Detroit Metro Airport, Power outages hit Metro Detroit hard as winter storm pounds area, WATCH - Jennifer Hammond talks with Detroit Titans guard Antoine Davis after coming up just short of the NCAA all-time scoring record, Suspect still wanted after brutal beating of victims after they shoveled his snow last winter in Detroit, Inside the Paint Bus - an art studio on wheels born in Detroit, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, New 5G cell tower on Wyandotte elemntary school has parents livid as meeting turns hostile, Southeast Michigan weather: The latest totals and what to expect tonight. A death investigator. In 2017, there were 110 deaths related to heroin Many families could see drastically smaller tax refunds in 2023: Heres why, Oxford school officials: Ethan Crumbley's parents never refused to take him home, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Hackel and Sheriff Anthony Wickersham did not reveal the type of drugs that the employees allegedly pilfered. A fourth employee a manager is on paid-leave, according to The Macomb Daily, after the four employees reportedly displayed pornographic photos in the office and on their computers. She said she heard a secretary ask a supervisorabout the cake: "Is that really a black penis cake in the conference room? Macomb Daily 3 Woman accused of starving baby to death in Warren rejects plea Shantavia Hayden, 29, who is charged with second-degree murder for the death of her three-month-old daughter,. "I was like, 'this is never gonna change,' so I filed a complaint with the EEOC and with HR," she told the Free Press. Job specializations: Administrative/Clerical. More:Friends remember Detroit sports media mainstay Jamie Samuelsen, "There has been an ongoing hostile work environment within the Medical Examiner's Office since I have been here," the July 18 complaint states. Prior to filing a complaint, the investigator said, she tried to minimize her exposure to the harassment and hostility in the office. I dont even have access, nor want access, to the property room.. Person who has been designated as the funeral . The 50-year-old man and 32-year-old woman, both morgue technicians, were dismissed following a Sheriffs Office investigation into 20 missing hydrocodone pills that should have made it to the evidence room but did not. During the probe, sheriffs investigators questioned the entire staff of 19.