Sunday, February 12, 2012

County Coroner - Montgomery County District Attorney Explains Her Calling For Bevilacqua Exam

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman inquired the actual region coroner to examine the body of Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua two days in the past as the timing from the 88-year-old prelate's passing away struck your ex since "peculiar," she explained Friday.

Ferman established that she enlisted County Coroner Walter I. Hofman because cardinal perished one morning soon after a new Philadelphia judge reported Bevilacqua may just be referred to as to be able to testify at the kid sex-abuse along with endangerment sample involving three current and an old priests.

"I had exactly the same problem in which most people had understanding that most people communicated with me," Ferman told reporters at the media conference around Norristown. "It struck a lot of us when odd, as peculiar, which the particular cardinal passed away and so abruptly following a court ruling. . . . I just idea in which a person need to guantee that absolutely nothing occurred that was inappropriate."

Ferman said your woman had absolutely no facts that will advocate the fact that cardinal had been the patient connected with foul enjoy or a strong 'out of place' death. She stated the girl office had not approved a great investigation.

"This death isn't that topic associated with a new criminal inquiry," your woman said. "It in actual fact getting reviewed by the coroner to discover what the cause of death is."

Ferman chatted each day right after Hofman shared with The Inquirer that will prosecutors had requested him to look at our body "to make sure presently there ended up zero intervening activities that may possess speeded up" the cardinal's death.

Bevilacqua perished shortly after on the lookout for p.m. Jan. 31 with his dwelling during St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, merely outdoors brussels limits.

He were in heading downward health and wellbeing because his / her 2003 pensionable because the chief from the Archdiocese with Philadelphia. Lawyers along with church officials explained he or she lived with cancer, dementia, along with other ailments.

Hoffman provides deferred declaring a result in associated with death. He mentioned they does not really conduct a complete autopsy, however dropped to elaborate.

In an meeting Friday, Hofman mentioned your dog saw very little dirt on the cardinal's physique and also various other proof for you to advocate anything at all although a healthy death.

The coroner mentioned they would evaluate that cardinal's medical records and toxicology test outcomes for you to decide if Bevilacqua acquired unusually substantial as well as unexplained amounts of prescription prescription medication or perhaps alternative chemicals within his blood.

Hofman said he / she supposed to freely generate people final results right after he will get them, possibly this specific month.

Autopsies as well as other assessments connected with the lifeless are usually standard in homicides or maybe if your decedent is young, seemingly healthy, as well as drops dead in unexplained circumstances. Hofman estimated which his / her business have been notified around about 60 per cent from the deaths around Montgomery County each year.

Ferman mentioned she had no expert over the coroner, that is independently elected, which she only "suggested" your examination. She claimed the woman business office rarely acknowledged its position in such reviews, to some extent that will stay away from stirring rumors.

But, acknowledging the throng of reporters plus photographic camera deckie's which congested into a discussion place Friday, she said the lady believed your lady were required to widely handle the particular issue.

"If I ended up for you to remain hushed on what exactly is taking appropriate now, I think I would essentially make speculation, that is not appropriate," Ferman said.

One involving Bevilacqua's best aides, Msgr. William J. Lynn, faces test in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court following 30 days about child-endangerment charges, having allegedly recommended sexually abusive priests to get jobs which bought these admittance in order to minors.

As admin for clergy, Lynn was to blame for reviewing abuse allegations in addition to proscribing treatment or positions for falsely accused priests.

Bevilacqua was not costed inside the case, but have come to be some sort of central witness.

In November, Judge M. Teresa Sarmina announced the cardinal proficient plus make it possible for prosecutors through the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office question the pup throughout a closed researching at the seminary.

The assistant district attorneys reported by Bevilacqua's frail health together reason that they needed to preserve his testimony on videotape prior to your trial.

Acting on the request coming from defensive attorneys, Sarmina two several weeks ago reiterated your girlfriend ruling which Bevilacqua was capable and could nevertheless be identified as on the find endure during trial. He perished the next night.

Ferman reported Philadelphia prosecutors could not contact her or perhaps any individual inside your ex company regarding Bevilacqua's death or maybe inquire the girl that will intervene.

After the particular cardinal died, his or her shape has been shifted for you to Donohue Funeral Home within Upper Darby. Hofman discussed them your next day, Feb. 1, from his or her Norristown office.

The body had been undoubtedly embalmed, nevertheless Hofman claimed embalming will not obstruct their exam. The shape was made a comeback into the memorial service household of which day.

Bevilacqua seemed to be entombed Tuesday in a very crypt during your Cathedral Basilica connected with SS. Peter as well as Paul.

Contact staff contributor John P. Martin from 215-854-4774, jmartin@phillynews.com ,

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