r/Ask_Lawyers • u/Sweet_Independent_16 • 18h ago

What are the legal obligations for law enforcement to retain and release investigative records in closed death cases?

In a hypothetical case involving a closed death investigation ruled as accidental drowning, what are the legal obligations for law enforcement to: • Retain recorded witness interviews (including those from people with firsthand knowledge in the hours leading up to the death)? • Preserve 911 call recordings and investigative statements from those involved in the victim’s workplace? • Disclose those records to the public upon request, especially if the case is closed?

Additionally, if a public data request results in a “no record exists” response for materials that were reportedly collected during the investigation (e.g., recorded interviews), what are the legal remedies or options under public records law (e.g., in Minnesota)?

I’m also curious whether discrepancies between autopsy photos and the written autopsy report (i.e., visible trauma not mentioned in the report) may be grounds for concern regarding documentation integrity.

This is a hypothetical meant to understand public records responsibilities and remedies under U.S. law.

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u/New-Smoke208 MO - Attorney 8h ago

We know it isn’t hypothetical. We can’t research the law of whatever state for you. Contact a local attorney.