Morgue posts gruesome photos of unclaimed dead bodies in an effort to help families find their lost loved ones
An Illinois county has taken the controversial step of posting photographs of unclaimed bodies online in the hope that it will help lead to identification and closure for the families of the deceased.
The relaunched website, which covers deaths in Cook County, Illinois launched on Wednesday and currently features seven photos of three unclaimed bodies, two that have been at the morgue since 2011 and one since 2010.
Cook County Medical Examiner Dr. Steve Cina, who is behind the new site, admits the images may be too graphic for many but believes that the ends justify the means.
Cook County Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Cina believes that the ends justify the means with regards posting photos of the dead online
Visitors to the site first encounter a message warning them about the potentially graphic nature of the images they are about to view
‘For the some discomfort that it may show, that people may feel looking at some of the images, it's worth it to reunite some families,’ Dr. Cina told Myfoxchicago.
The new feature comes with a disclaimer warning viewers about the graphic images.
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‘Please be advised of the potentially graphic nature of the images that you are linking to,’ the warning says.
‘They are from the autopsies of unidentified persons and some may be in a somewhat decomposed or damaged state,’ said Cina.
Officials hope that by posting the photos of the unclaimed bodies online it will help lead to identification and closure for the families of the deceased
The revamped site also includes images of distinguishing features such as tattoos
As well as the photos, the expanded website includes additional identifying details such as height, clothing or tattoos. It also links to NAMUS, the national unidentified persons database.
‘We're hoping that the photo can trigger somebody's memory, that you know, that person grew up down the street from me, or that person used to live nearby and I know where their mom is,’ said Cina.
The program has already led to one family identifying their missing daughter, and the office is hopeful the pictures will lead to further identifications.
The relaunched site currently features information about 18 unidentified bodies found in Cook County, Illinois
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office in Illinois
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