The coroner’s office determines the probable cause of a person’s death as either from natural causes or homicide
A post-mortem examination refers to a person’s physical condition immediately after death. In criminal investigations, the medical examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death and the time and likely conditions surrounding the death.
In cases of homicide, an autopsy is almost always mandated to determine the exact cause of death and whether there may have been foul play.