The most controversial issue to affect the Bartholomew County coroner’s office in recent years was the handling of the April 2013 shooting death of Cary Owsley.
Owsley died from a gunshot wound but the handling of the crime scene by the sheriff’s department and the county coroner led to deputies being disciplined, Owsley’s body being exhumed for autopsies and a federal lawsuit.
Two Republicans, Clayton Nolting and Ron Shadley, are vying for the coroner’s office after long-time coroner Larry Fisher chose not to seek re-election. We asked the candidates about what lessons they took away from the Owsley case.
Nolting says he is not familiar with the case.
04-28 clayton nolting question 5-1
Shadley said that he would review the department’s procedures if elected
04-28 ron shadley question 5-1
Democrat Paula Rothrock is also seeking the coroner’s office but she is unopposed in next week’s primary.