Kentucky

2024 Kentucky General Election

Kevin Pharis

- The coroner investigates certain types of deaths and attempts to determine their cause. To determine the cause of death, the coroner can order an autopsy, seize evidence, and interrogate people.
- The coroner can present evidence to a coroner’s jury. If that jury returns a verdict of manslaughter, murder, or other criminal act, then the coroner must make an arrest or notify law enforcement.
- The coroner has discretion about investigating deaths from natural causes.
- The minimum possible salary is determined based on county population and a coroner’s continuing education. The minimum monthly pay ranges from $200 to $1,300. The current maximum annual salary allowed is about $93,000.
- A coroner must possess a current certificate of continuing education in order to perform a postmortem examination but otherwise has no educational requirements for the job.