Kane Co. Coroner Launches Initiative to Review Cold Cases

Kane County Coroner Rob Russell announced Friday that his office would be reviewing cold cases and checking for compliance with updated scientific and forensic standards.

The initiative to review the cases started with a request from a former candidate for the coroner’s office, Bob Tiballi, who believed a former case that was ruled an undetermined death was actually a homicide, according to the coroner’s office press release.

“Dr. Tiballi is a good man so I had no issue honoring his request. After Dr. Tiballi mentioned this case to me, I discovered another possible case that needed further study. That prompted me to start this initiative,” Russell said. “If there are any sins of the past or inaccurate findings that need fixing, it is important to me that they are dealt with. At this time, I am not saying there are, but if there are, I will find and deal with them”.

Russell said this initiative will not affect his budget because he will be doing the preliminary reviews himself. He said he may draft some volunteers from active and retired law enforcement to assist if needed.

Russell is asking members of the public to contact the office if there are any cases they have concerns over past cases. The coroner’s office would need the decedent’s full name and date of death.

“I cannot promise anyone that their case will be overturned,” Russell said. “I can only promise that I will review every case with current medicolegal standards and practices and will make changes if the evidence prompts further action to be taken.”