State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Indiana > Title35 > Ar45 > Ch19IC 35-45-19
Chapter 19. Failure to Report a Dead Body
IC 35-45-19-1
Applicability of chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter does not:
(1) apply to the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident that:
(A) results in the death of a person; and
(B) must be reported under IC 9-26-1-1; or
(2) supersede any law governing the reporting of a death by a
hospital, health care facility, or provider.
As added by P.L.68-2008, SEC.1.
IC 35-45-19-2
"Public safety officer"
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "public safety officer" means:
(1) a law enforcement officer;
(2) a correctional officer;
(3) a state university police officer;
(4) a firefighter;
(5) an emergency medical technician; or
(6) a paramedic.
As added by P.L.68-2008, SEC.1.
IC 35-45-19-3
Failure to report a dead body
Sec. 3. A person who:
(1) discovers or has custody of the body of a deceased person
when it appears the deceased person died:
(A) by violence, suicide, or accident;
(B) suddenly, while in apparent good health;
(C) while unattended;
(D) from poisoning or an overdose of drugs;
(E) as the result of a disease that may constitute a threat to
public health;
(F) as the result of:
(i) a disease;
(ii) an injury;
(iii) a toxic effect; or
(iv) unusual exertion;
incurred within the scope of the deceased person's
employment;
(G) due to sudden infant death syndrome;
(H) as the result of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure; or
(I) under any other suspicious or unusual circumstances; and
(2) knowingly or intentionally fails to report the body of the
deceased person to a:
(A) public safety officer;
(B) coroner;
(C) physician; or
(D) 911 telephone call center;
within three (3) hours after finding the body;
commits failure to report a dead body, a Class A misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.68-2008, SEC.1.
