A controversial civil trial involving the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office just ended, but a decision is still undecided.
A father accused the New Orleans Coroner’s Office of failing to identify his son for weeks, allowing his body to deteriorate.
A portion of WDSU’s investigation was played as part of the testimony today, prompting sobbing in the courtroom.
“This was about respect and dignity,” Sidney Smith said.
Sidney Smith, who left civil court Tuesday, said he hopes sharing the story of his son will bring change.
“This is to ensure no other family has to endure this hideous handling of my son’s body,” Smith said.
Smith claims negligence against Dr. Dwight McKenna’s office.
His son, Justin, died from a drug overdose in June 2023. Smith alleges Justin’s body remained unidentified for nearly a month, despite filing a missing person report and seeking a protective custody order.
He said he was unaware his son’s body was at the morgue.
Attorneys for the coroner said the building, provided by the city, has had significant air conditioning problems, such as maintaining appropriate body storage temperatures, and also blamed delays on the city’s failure to provide proper fingerprinting tools to the New Orleans Police Department.
“This is tragic, but the coroner’s office did not act outrageously,” said Charles Ciaccio. “If it arises again, they now know how to deal with it.”
Smith’s attorneys dispute this defense, declaring the coroner negligent.
“I didn’t think it was fair to be blamed. I was taken aback. I offer immediate service,” a city operations manager testified.
In court, a WDSU Investigates interview of the coroner aired.
“That’s repulsive and infuriating,” said Smith.
“The most shocking revelation is that Dr. McKenna didn’t arrive to testify,” Attorney Rick Trahant said.
Smith, who has pancreatic cancer and may not survive the year, said the trial was about getting his son justice.
“Justice for Justin,” Smith said. “This isn’t about money. I wake up and think about Justin’s death every morning.”
Trahant said the damages could cost the city up to $1 million.
A decision by the judge is expected next week.
Additionally, attorneys are to file supplemental court documents Friday.
