Doctor Claims Kane Co. Coroner Broke Confidentiality Agreement

The following letter to the editor comes from Dr. Bill Tiballi in response to an announcement from Kane County Coroner Rob Russell published on Patch on Friday, July 24, that stated his office would be reviewing cold cases and checking for compliance with updated scientific and forensic standards.

In the announcement, Russell claims the impetus for these reviews began with a request from Tiballi, a previous candidate for coroner, to take a look at an undetermined death case that he believed was actually a homicide.

To the Editor;

I awoke Saturday morning to find my name splashed across news media about something I really have little to do with.

Months ago I approached Mr. Rob Russell about a case I am very familiar wherein the previous coroner’s investigation led to a determination of death that I firmly hold is not accurate. I asked Mr. Russell, in strict confidence, if he would review the case and consider amending the cause of death if he found it to be different than the “undetermined” the previous coroner certified. Mr. Russell assured me that he would keep this confidential and would let me know his findings. That was months ago. I am still waiting to hear of any developments. The promises of confidentiality were not kept.

I read that an investigation is underway. This makes it sound like a lot needs to be done to review this case when actually only three things need to be done. Firstly the file needs to be located. Secondly the file needs to be dusted off. Thirdly and most importantly, the file needs to be read. This should take less than an hour and not cost the taxpayers more than a couple dollars of someone’s time to locate the file. That shouldn’t be difficult.

The case involves a situation wherein someone jammed huge amounts of cocaine into a feeding tube of a woman who did not have use of her hands, could not do this act herself, nor offer any resistance. That amounts to a homicide, a death caused by the actions of another person. This case was certified as an “undetermined” cause of death, which I have never believed was an accurate determination. Despite my efforts over many years, I could never find if there was an insurance policy on the deceased.

Is my safety at risk now that Mr. Russell has revealed that I have brought this case forward? I am literally stunned and shocked that he used my name without providing me with an opportunity to object and with complete disregard for my privacy and safety. If he attempts to use this case as a justification for recklessly overspending beyond his budget [Editor’s note: Russell said these reviews will not affect his department’s budget because he will be doing the reviews himself], the citizens of Kane County should know that this investigation should cost precious little if conducted by someone who knows what they are doing.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Bob Tiballi, MBA
Elgin, IL