What happens to the personal effects of the deceased?
The medical examiner’s office collects only the personal effects that are on the body at a scene. All other effects are left at the scene. The effects that are brought in are cataloged and held at the medical examiner’ office until the next of kin can be contacted. If no family is found after 30 days, the effects are turned over to the Snohomish County Treasurer’s office for disposal. Weapons that accompany the body are turned over to the investigating law enforcement agency.
