If a Maryland medical examiner changes the cause or manner of death on a death certificate to “undetermined” or “homicide,” the law now requires action. House Bill 969, the Katherine Morris Death Reclassification Act, took effect October 1, 2024.

What the law requires

  1. The medical examiner must notify the State’s Attorney and the local law enforcement agency where the body was found.

  2. The family receives a new certified death certificate at no cost.

  3. Law enforcement must reopen or reinvestigate the case and keep it open for at least 20 years.

  4. If the family asks, an assistant State’s Attorney who knows the case must meet with them within 20 days. If no investigation is being pursued, they must explain why.

What you should do

  • Read every copy of the amended certificate and confirm it is correct and final.

  • Write to the police department and the State’s Attorney’s office yourself. Include a copy of the certificate and name the law: House Bill 969, Chapter 829 of 2024.

  • Ask for your meeting in writing and keep the date you sent it.

  • Keep a record of every letter, email, name, and date.

This law does not change a ruling. It applies after a medical examiner has already changed it.

Read the law: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0969?ys=2024RS

Read how this law reopened Keith Warren’s case: [link to your full post]

This is general information, not legal advice. Please speak with an attorney about your situation.