Navajo Nation lacks funding for medical examiner – and that’s hindering MMIP cases

PHOENIX – The Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations (NDCI) does not have an on-site medical examiner, forcing criminal investigators to take on duties they are not properly trained for and slowing down murdered and missing persons investigations.

On March 16, the department presented updates to the Navajo Nation Law and Order Committee, highlighting both progress and funding challenges in investigations.