PHOENIX – The Yavapai County attorney says autopsy reports and photos of the scene where 19 firefighters were killed in Arizona won't be released without a court order.
A letter sent to media organizations Monday says the records are being withheld under exemptions in Arizona public records law.
County Attorney Sheila Polk wrote that while the reports and photos are considered public records, the privacy interests of the firefighters' families override the public interest in their release. She was writing for the county sheriff and medical examiner, and the Maricopa County medical examiner, which performed the autopsies.
Numerous news agencies including The Associated Press have requested records regarding the June 30 deaths near Yarnell.
Media attorney David Bodney says courts have held autopsy reports to be public, and scene photos are also often released.
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