What determines whether or not an autopsy is necessary?

The Medical Examiner’s Office will consider the facts of each case individually, and determine what level of investigation/examination is necessary to determine the cause and manner of death and to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death. Autopsies are routinely performed in all non-natural deaths (homicide, suicide, accidents and undetermined), in apparent natural deaths where the cause is unclear, and in cases where appropriate toxicology specimens must be collected.