Wayne County Indiana Coroner's Office

03/23/2026

𝐀 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

On behalf of the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, I want to sincerely thank the City of Richmond, Indiana and the Board of Public Works & Safety for approving and placing two designated parking spaces outside of the courthouse along Third Street at the entrance to our office.

While these spaces will support our staff, their true purpose is much more important.

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬.

Families who are walking through some of the hardest moments of their lives shouldn’t have to worry about where to park, how far they have to walk, or one more added stress when they arrive. This simple step helps bring a small measure of dignity, accessibility, and care during a time when it’s needed most.

I want to specifically thank Richmond Police Department Officer Aaron Stevens for listening to the need and bringing this forward to the Board. I also want to thank Commissioner Jeff Plasterer for his support and efforts on this.

This is what serving a community looks like: People paying attention, stepping up, and doing the right thing for others.

We and the families we serve are grateful for the continued support!

— Coroner Brent Meadows

03/19/2026

𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪?

Indiana law specifically defines who a first responder is. That list includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, corrections officers… and county coroners and deputy coroners.

That’s not opinion. That’s not interpretation. That’s state law.

So what does that mean for our community?

It means when a call comes in involving a death, your coroner’s office is part of that response. We are responsible for investigating the circumstances, determining cause and manner of death, and ensuring every case is handled with professionalism, accuracy, and care.

It also means we are there for families during some of the hardest moments they will ever face. Providing answers. Providing clarity. And making sure their loved one is treated with dignity and respect.

This role carries responsibility, accountability, and a duty to the public we serve. A role we don't take lightly.

And we are grateful for the trust you place in us to do that.

02/19/2026

Update: Family located. Thank you all who helped make this possible!

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐔𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 💛

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office is asking for the community’s help in locating the family of 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐲, age 60, who passed away yesterday in Richmond.

Despite our efforts through our normal means, we have not yet been able to locate or make contact with Mr. McKinley’s family. It is important to us that we are able to connect with his loved ones so that proper arrangements can be made and he can be laid to rest with the dignity and respect every person deserves.

If you are a family member, please contact our dispatch center at 765-973-9355 to speak with one of our investigators.

Anyone with information that may help us reach Mr. McKinley’s loved ones is encouraged to send us a message here on Facebook or contact our office by email at [email protected]

Thank you for helping us ensure Mr. McKinley is cared for and laid to rest.

02/17/2026

Important information from the Wayne County Health Department!

Starting March 2nd, 2026, the Wayne County Health Department will start issuing birth & death certificates from other Indiana counties. This means you can get your birth certificate in Wayne County, even if you were born in another Indiana county. There is a $5 additional fee, and no corrections can be made. All corrections will need to be made in the original issuing county. If you have questions, please call 765.973.9245 #2

02/10/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝟏 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫!

We recently marked one year since Dillon stepped into the role of Chief Deputy Coroner, but his connection to the Wayne County Coroner’s Office runs much deeper. Dillon has worked alongside this office in different capacities dating back to 2012, and that history shows in the way he serves.

With more than a decade of experience in law enforcement and investigations, Dillon brings knowledge, steadiness, and perspective to every situation. More importantly, he brings compassion. He understands that behind every call is a family experiencing one of the hardest days of their lives, and he treats them with the care and dignity they deserve.

We are grateful for Dillon’s leadership, professionalism, and his commitment to this office and our community. Thank you, Dillon, for the way you show up, for the families you serve, and for the example you set every day!

02/06/2026

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office has identified the three individuals who were tragically killed in the residential fire that occurred in the early morning hours of January 24, 2026, in the 18000 block of Frank Myers Road in Cambridge City.

The deceased have been identified as:

• Shannon Robinson, age 48, Female
• Billy Robinson, age 46, Male
• Jayden Robinson, age 16, Male

This was a tragic accident that claimed the lives of all individuals who resided in the home, and has deeply affected family members, friends, and the greater community.

Chief Deputy Dillon Pitcher said, “Our hearts are with everyone who is grieving this unimaginable loss. We ask our community to continue to surround this family with prayer, compassion, and support during an incredibly painful time.”

We also ask that the community keep the students, and staff of Western Wayne Schools in their thoughts as they continue to mourn the loss of a student and member of their Eagle’s family. 🦅💛

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office extends its deepest condolences to all who are affected by this tragedy.

01/30/2026

𝗪𝗘’𝗥𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 | 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office is proud to announce the launch of our new website!

🌐 https://waynecountycoroner.in.gov/

This site was built with our community in mind. Families can find answers to frequently asked questions, learn more about our office and staff, and easily contact us when they need guidance during some of life’s hardest moments.

Funeral homes can now securely submit requests directly through the site, helping streamline communication and improve efficiency for everyone involved.

Coroner Brent Meadows said, “This is another step forward in our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and professionalism. Our promise has always been to be available, responsive, and accountable to the people we serve, and this website helps us do exactly that.”

We invite our community and our partners to explore the site and use it as a resource!

01/29/2026

This week is Medicolegal Death Investigator Week, and today we want to acknowledge the families we serve.

Families often meet our investigators during one of the worst days of their lives. They are grieving, overwhelmed, and searching for answers. Our role is not only investigative. It is also compassionate.

We take time to explain processes, answer questions, and guide families through what comes next. Every interaction matters. Every conversation matters. These are not just cases to us. They are people who were loved. 💛

Treating families with dignity, patience, and respect is at the heart of this work.

01/29/2026

Proud of one of our own, Olivia Smith! Job well done!

Olivia earned a stork pin!

Recently, Olivia helped a mother deliver her baby over 911. She provided clear guidance until help arrived.

Olivia is now part of a small group of dispatchers who have helped bring a new life into the world. We are so proud of her work!

01/29/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤, 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤.

We are grateful to Governor Mike Braun for signing a proclamation honoring coroners and deputy coroners across the State of Indiana and recognizing the important work this profession does every day.

Medicolegal death investigation is quiet, often unseen work. It requires compassion, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility to families, public safety, and public health. Our team is proud to serve Wayne County and to stand alongside our colleagues across Indiana who do this difficult work with care and integrity.

Recognition matters. Support matters. And we remain committed to serving our community with dignity, transparency, and respect, today and every day.

01/28/2026

This week is Medicolegal Death Investigator Week, and today we recognize the responsibility of determining cause and manner of death.

These determinations are never based on assumptions or outside pressure. They rely on evidence gathered at the scene, medical findings, toxicology results, and thorough investigation. Each case is approached with objectivity and care.

The answers we provide impact families, law enforcement cases, public health records, and legal proceedings. Sometimes the answers are difficult to hear, but they matter. Truth matters.

Our responsibility is to remain committed to accuracy and integrity, even when the work is complex or emotionally heavy.

01/28/2026

We want to say a huge thank you to Terry and Cathy Hillard and everyone at Smiley’s Pub for taking such great care of our team at our staff appreciation dinner last night! 💛

The food was excellent, but the hospitality meant just as much. It was a great night for our staff to slow down, spend time together, and feel appreciated. We are grateful for your support and for always showing up for this community.

Thank you for making the evening special!