https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/-brain-missing-autopsy-decomposing-body-2nd-case-revealed-alabama-inmate-body-found-missing-organs-charles-edward-singleton-brandon-dotson-department-corrections-pathology
In an autopsy, organs and tissues are removed to best determine the cause of death. Autopsy consent includes consent for final disposition of the organs and tissues; unless specifically requested, organs are not returned to the body.
UAB is among providers that – consistent with Alabama law – conduct autopsies of incarcerated persons at the direction of the State of Alabama. A panel of medical ethicists reviewed and endorsed our protocols regarding autopsies conducted for incarcerated persons.
The issue of deceased inmates missing organs was first reported by WBMA concerning the case of Brandon Dotson. His family learned his heart was missing during a second autopsy the family had commissioned in Birmingham. The pathologist reported the heart was not in the chest cavity so he could not complete an exam.
The Dotson family has filed a federal lawsuit. The information about Charles Singleton's missing organs was part of the court filings in the Dotson case.
Last week, a federal judge ordered ADOC and Department of Forensic Sciences to turn over documents concerning Dotson's state autopsy by Monday so she could review them. No state official could answer the question of what happened to Brandon Dotson's heart during a hearing in Birmingham on Friday.