Judge Denies Request for Inspection of Christine Jarrett's Body

The body of Christine Jarrett, found under a shed at her former residence, has been cremated, thus nullifying a request that her body be re-examined, a court has ruled.

Robert A. Jarrett Jr., who reported his wife Christine as a missing person 21 years ago, was charged in her murder after police found the body in April. The medical examiner confirmed her identity.

Robert Jarrett’s attorney—George Psoras Jr.—requested access to the body for autopsy.

“The defendant disputes the purported findings and opinions from the [Office of the Chief Medical Examiner],” according to the motion filed by Psoras.

The state’s attorney for Howard County—James Dietrich—replied that the Jarretts’ sons had handled the remains. Dietrich said that in accordance with the medical examiner's policy, remains must be claimed within 15 days after the autopsy, otherwise the medical examiner would have donated the body to research. The family had a funeral home retrieve the remains, which were then cremated, said Dietrich.

Judge Richard S. Bernhardt ruled that there was nothing to judge.

“The state has affirmatively stated…that the decedent’s remains no longer exist,” stated Bernhardt. “The Court does not discern a controversy to be decided.” 

Psoras could not be reached for comment.

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