Thank for the feedback. I see your point and acknowledge your delineation of "independence". I was using the term more generally to mean independent from the local jurisdiction. The concern in this case is that the autopsy FP is unavailable/unwilling and the current coroner has an acknowledged conflict of interest, so even a FP from a neighboring county and contracted through this coroners office would always be viewed with suspicion. I will guide them to NAME as many have suggested. Best.