(Stand Up For Idaho Press Release, January 5, 2026)
Idaho Falls–Wednesday, January 7th – Bingham County, Bonneville, and Madison County Coroners discuss the roles of a coroner and the issues they face.
Bingham County Coroner Jimmy Roberts, Bonneville County Corner Shante Shantez, and Madison County Coroner Dr. Sam Butikofer will have a panel discussion focused on helping the public understand the role of the coroner and when a death falls under coroner jurisdiction. The discussion will clarify common misconceptions and explain how coroners respond to sudden, unexpected, unattended, or non natural deaths, as well as how they work alongside law enforcement, EMS, hospitals, and families.
They will walk through the death investigation process from initial notification through scene response, documentation, and review of medical history. They will discuss how information is gathered, how decisions are made, and the importance of clear communication with families during difficult and emotional circumstances. They will also identify issues facing Idaho’s death investigation system, including access to forensic pathologists, delays in autopsies, etc., and how these issues affect families and the broader justice system: and ongoing efforts to improve the system throughout Idaho with emphasis on transparency and public trust.
Coroners are elected officials and it is important for us to understand their role as their decisions can have significant effects on families and community.
Attendance to our Town Halls is free but donations are greatly appreciated. We are an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible.
Snake River Event Center (Shilo Inn), 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls
6:30pm (Doors open at 6:00pm)
About Stand Up For Idaho: We are a nonpartisan, nondenominational, nonprofit organization striving to inform and educate the public on a wide range of topics that affect people’s lives. We advocate for the common good, well-being, and civic betterment for all Idahoans, and for the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Idaho.
