where science speaks
Every case has evidence. Every victim has a story.
The Medical Examiner's Report is an independent true crime and forensic education podcast created to look beyond the headline and examine what the evidence actually tells us.
Through autopsy findings, forensic science, investigative records, documented timelines, toxicology, pathology, public records, and credible reporting, MER takes listeners deeper into notable, unresolved, and complex cases.
But this isn't about turning someone's death into entertainment.
It's about understanding the science.
Asking responsible questions.
Separating fact from speculation.
And remembering the person behind the case file.
WHY THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S REPORT?
The Evidence Deserves a Closer Look.
True crime stories often begin with the circumstances surrounding someone's death.
At MER, that's where the examination begins.
What did the medical examiner find?
What does the autopsy actually say?
What does the toxicology show?
Does the physical evidence support the publicly reported timeline?
Which information has been officially confirmed?
Which information comes from witnesses?
What remains unknown?
And perhaps most importantly:
What can the evidence tell us—and what can't it?
MER was created to explore those questions without turning unanswered questions into accusations.
Sometimes the evidence provides answers.
Sometimes it creates new questions.
And sometimes the most accurate answer is simply:
We don't know yet.
That distinction matters.
THE MER APPROACH
Evidence Before Opinion.
Every case covered by The Medical Examiner's Report is researched with one guiding principle:
Follow the evidence wherever it leads.
MER strives to clearly distinguish between different types of information so that listeners can evaluate the case alongside us.
CONFIRMED FACT
Information supported by official records or sufficiently reliable documentation.
REPORTED STATEMENT
Information attributed to a witness, family member, attorney, investigator, public official, or other identified source.
INDEPENDENT FINDING
A finding or opinion from an independently retained forensic professional or other qualified expert.
ALLEGATION / CLAIM
Information that has been alleged or reported but has not been established as fact.
UNRESOLVED QUESTION
A discrepancy, missing piece of information, or question the available evidence has not yet answered.
MER ANALYSIS
Educational commentary, observations, and questions raised while examining the available evidence.
Because a question is not an accusation.
And an allegation is not a fact.
RESPECT BEHIND THE REPORT
They Were People Before They Became Case Files.
Behind every autopsy report is a person.
Behind every crime scene is a family.
Behind every case number is a life that existed long before strangers knew the circumstances surrounding its end.
MER believes those lives deserve to be discussed with dignity.
We will examine difficult evidence.
We will ask uncomfortable questions.
We will discuss autopsy findings and the realities of death investigation.
But graphic or sensitive information should never be used simply for shock value.
The goal is understanding—not exploitation.
Evidence matters. So does humanity.
MEET KISHA CHANELLE
Creator, Researcher & Host
I'm Kisha Chanelle, creator and host of The Medical Examiner's Report.
I've always been fascinated by the point where evidence, science, and investigation meet.
Not simply what happened?
But:
How do we know?
What can an injury reveal?
What can toxicology establish?
How is cause of death different from manner of death?
Why might two forensic examinations reach different conclusions?
What happens when witness statements don't appear to align?
And what happens when a family still has questions after an investigation ends?
I'm not a medical examiner, forensic pathologist, law enforcement officer, attorney, or private investigator.
I'm a researcher and storyteller who believes complicated forensic information can be examined responsibly and explained in a way everyday people can understand.
I created MER because I wanted a different kind of conversation around true crime—one where curiosity doesn't require abandoning compassion and where asking questions doesn't mean rushing to conclusions.
My role isn't to tell you what to believe.
My role is to show you the information, explain the science, identify what we know, acknowledge what we don't, and let the evidence speak.
GO BEYOND THE EPISODE
The Case Vault 🔒
Research doesn't stop when an episode ends.
The MER Case Vault gives members an opportunity to examine supporting materials behind the cases covered on the podcast.
Depending on what is lawfully available and appropriate for publication, Case Vault files may contain:
Expanded timelines
Autopsy and medical examiner documents
Toxicology findings
Public records
Court documents
Maps and diagrams
Source materials
Photographs and evidentiary materials when appropriate
Forensic terminology and explanations
Continuing case updates
Materials are identified by source whenever reasonably possible so members can understand whether they're examining an official record, independent report, witness statement, media report, or MER research.
Don't just hear the story. Examine the file.
A MISSION BEYOND THE MICROPHONE
The MER Hope Fund — Coming Soon
For some families, seeking answers comes with a financial burden they simply cannot afford.
Independent forensic reviews, specialized testing, records, and qualified investigative assistance can cost thousands of dollars.
That's why the long-term vision for MER extends beyond podcasting.
We're developing the MER Hope Fund, a future initiative intended to help qualifying families access forensic and investigative resources when financial barriers might otherwise prevent them from continuing their search for answers.
The MER Hope Fund is currently in development and is not yet accepting donations or applications for assistance.
Most importantly, receiving future assistance will never depend upon allowing MER to cover a family's case.
Because seeking answers shouldn't be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford them.
[ LEARN ABOUT THE MER HOPE FUND ]
OUR COMMITMENT
The Medical Examiner's Report is committed to:
ACCURACY
Research before publication and corrections when credible new information requires them.
TRANSPARENCY
Sources matter. We'll tell you where information comes from whenever reasonably possible.
OBJECTIVITY
Questions will remain questions until evidence supports an answer.
DIGNITY
Victims are people—not content.
EDUCATION
Forensic science should be explained, not simply repeated.
ACCOUNTABILITY
If we get something materially wrong, we want to know.
JOIN THE INVESTIGATION
Listen to the latest report, explore the available case files, and follow MER as we examine the science behind some of the most compelling cases.
Have a case you believe deserves a closer look?
THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S REPORT
Where Science Speaks.
Hosted by Kisha Chanelle
Evidence before opinion.
Questions before conclusions.
Dignity before entertainment.