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TARRANT COUNTY, Texas (BFMG) — Dr. Kendall Crowns, an esteemed figure in the field of forensic pathology, was sworn in as the Chief Medical Examiner of Tarrant County on November 1, 2021, by Judge Glen Whitley. Dr. Crowns’ appointment marked a new era for the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, following the retirement of long-time Medical Examiner Dr. Nizam Peerwani. With a distinguished career spanning over 24 years and more than ten thousand autopsies, Dr. Crowns brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence to his new role.
Before his tenure in Tarrant County, Dr. Crowns served as the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in Travis County since 2009. His career also includes notable service as the Deputy Medical Examiner at Cook County in Illinois in addition to being a reoccurring guest expert on Nancy Grace’s, Crime Online. Dr. Crowns’ extensive background and leadership in medical examination make him an ideal successor to address the challenges faced by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Addressing Past Controversies
Dr. Crowns steps into a role fraught with challenges and controversies. His predecessor, Dr. Peerwani, left behind a legacy marred by accusations of false statements in court and unreliable autopsy reports. An internal audit in 2020 revealed significant errors in numerous cases, leading to suspensions and firings within the office. These issues prompted calls for an investigation into Dr. Peerwani’s administration from criminal defense attorneys seeking justice for their clients.
Despite these hurdles, Dr. Crowns is poised to restore credibility and trust in the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. With an annual salary of $425,000, he oversees an office responsible for determining the cause of death in homicide cases, unattended deaths, and other instances where the reasons for demise are unknown. His role also includes providing crucial testimony in criminal court cases, often on behalf of the state.
A Commitment to Excellence
Dr. Crowns inherits an office that has been under intense scrutiny, but his track record suggests he is more than capable of addressing these issues. His leadership has already prompted a reevaluation of costs and services, resulting in a significant increase in the agreement fees for medical examiner services with Denton County, from $445,000 in 2022 to $662,000 in 2023. This adjustment reflects Dr. Crowns’ commitment to ensuring that the office operates with the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Expanding Services and Collaboration
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s District, under Dr. Crowns’ leadership, continues to serve not only Tarrant County but also Johnson and Parker counties. Each member county contributes to the funding of the district, with Tarrant County performing autopsies and other examinations. This collaborative approach ensures that even counties without their own medical examiner systems can benefit from the expertise and resources of Tarrant County’s office.
Educational Contributions
In addition to his responsibilities as Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Crowns is a respected lecturer at the University of Texas Austin and Texas Christian University Medical School. His contributions to education and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of forensic pathologists are a testament to his commitment to the field.
Looking Forward
Dr. Kendall Crowns’ appointment as the Chief Medical Examiner of Tarrant County marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. His extensive experience, dedication to excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice position him as a transformative leader for the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. As Dr. Crowns continues to build on his legacy, the community can expect a renewed focus on accuracy, transparency, and integrity in the pursuit of truth and justice.
Dr. Crowns’ journey is a shining example of how dedication and expertise can overcome challenges and drive meaningful change. His story inspires confidence and hope for the future of forensic pathology in Tarrant County and beyond.
