AUSTIN (KXAN) — A faded sign right outside black gates leads to a property once used for state highway purposes.
A facility, which sits on just over 28 acres, will now be the home of the future Williamson County Medical Examiner’s office. In October, the county purchased the facility, located at 9500 N Lake Creek Parkway in Austin, from the Texas Department of Transportation for $18 million.
“We have to revitalize that and remodel that,” Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said on KXAN News Midday on Friday. “I think over time, and I mean, in the next few years, you’ll see a progression from where we’re at today to a full Medical Examiner’s office in Williamson County, Texas.”
As the county’s population booms leaders have been looking to the future.
Right now, the county’s four Justices of the Peace determine cause and manner of death. Last Tuesday, the county approved an additional $47,827.06 for the hiring of four death investigators who will start early next month. In August, commissioners budgeted $309,083.72 for the positions. The new hires will help the judges take death calls, respond to scenes and prepare reports across the county.
“We are thankful that death investigators will begin their work in 2025, providing the necessary support to ensure our community’s needs are met,” said Judge Angela Williams, Williamson County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 2.
For the last year, the judges have shared concerns with KXAN investigators of juggling court dockets and death inquests. The judges rule on everything from homicides to death from natural causes. If a case needs additional investigation, they request an autopsy from either a private firm in Williamson County – or the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“Our JPS have, in my view, been overwhelmed and overloaded because of the increase in population. And at the county court level, we’re giving them the resources so they can be successful,” Gravell said.
According to Texas law, a county with a population of 2.5 million must have a medical examiner, but the commissioners court may establish one at any time. KXAN’s “A Hanging on Backbone Creek” investigation highlighted the push for counties across the state to establish medical examiners offices. KXAN investigators found just 14 of the state’s 254 counties have a medical examiner. State lawmakers have promised to look at the issue during the upcoming legislative session, which starts in January.
“Continued discussions and actions to move forward with a medical examiner is a positive step that ensures Williamson County is prepared to meet future needs and provide the best services for our community,” added Williams of the move to secure the property.
Judge Rhonda Redden, Williamson County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4, said the purchase of the property was timely, necessary, and an incredible bargain. She added that the death investigators are in the initial phase of transitioning from a JP inquest system to a medical examiner system for processing death inquest cases.
“This will enhance the quality of inquest investigations and provide better service to our citizens. We are excited to be a part of the next steps in establishing a medical examiner’s office, not only for the future of Williamson County but for the State of Texas,” Redden said.
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