When we think of unexpected, unknown deaths that require an autopsy, our minds often automatically go to shows that depict real life crimes in big cities. The reality is there are a lot of reasons an autopsy may be required, and often it isn’t connected to some sort of heinous crime. In fact, in many jurisdictions only 5-15% of autopsies are connected to a criminal case. For example, in Travis County in 2024, there were only 83 homicide cases, which was 5% of the cases examined. And in the state of California, 8% of autopsies are connected to homicides.
In the small town of Lockhart, autopsies are occasionally required. Instead of having to wait on the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office to handle the logistics, Central Texas Autopsy is able to step in to provide their expertise. They provide services for the city of Lockhart, allowing families to get answers more quickly when there are questions about a death.
Autopsy Services Outside of the Big City
Lockhart is located in Central Texas almost directly in between Austin and San Antonio. It’s much smaller than the metros, but Lockhart does have something the other two cities have – its own facility that can perform autopsies
Central Texas Autopsy may not have all of the resources and capabilities of the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, but it does make it possible for Lockhart locals to get autopsies handled in an efficient manner. They are also able to assist the Lockhart Police Department in the rare cases where there is a questionable death that could be related to a crime.
Very few cities as small as Lockhart have this type of resource readily available. Many other cities nearby rely on help from other counties that have an already heavy workload. It can cause delays and long wait times as they have to wait in line for a standard autopsy procedure.
Although Central Texas Autopsy provides a number of services, assistance may still be needed for specialized services like trace evidence testing or firearm forensics. However, Central Texas Autopsy has standard autopsies covered, which is the most important thing for loved ones awaiting results.
Services Provided by Central Texas Autopsy
While the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office may assist with some death investigations in Lockhart, Central Texas Autopsy is a well equipped facility that can provide a number of the same services. Central Texas Autopsy primarily assists Lockhart law enforcement when there is an unexpected or unknown death.
Central Texas Autopsy can provide:
Autopsies
The key service that Central Texas Autopsy provides is autopsies. These physical examinations are performed to determine the cause and manner of death as well as to find potential evidence for a criminal or civil case.
Second Autopsies
Around 5% of autopsies are unable to determine the cause of death. That can leave a family with more questions than answers and cause legal hurdles. Central Texas Autopsy can provide a second autopsy to review the medical records and do a physical evaluation to provide more information.
Toxicology Testing
In some cases a toxicology test needs to be performed in addition to the autopsy. A toxicology test is used to see if a person had any drugs, chemicals or poisonous substances in their body at their time of death.
Expert Consultation
The pathologist at Central Texas Autopsy can consult with individuals who’s loved one’s death requires an autopsy. They can also provide consultations for local law enforcement during a criminal case, defense attorneys and prosecutors.
Expert Witness and Testimony
If needed, pathologists can do more than consult. They can act as an expert witness in civil or criminal cases by reviewing the evidence, giving testimony with their expert opinion and explaining complex information so that it’s easier for a jury to understand and take into account.
Working With the Central Texas Autopsy While Planning Funeral Services
When an autopsy or medical examiner services are needed it requires an extra layer of coordination to arrange funeral services. If the body is with Central Texas Autopsy you will need to provide their facility with a medical examiner release form.
The release form tells the medical examiner who is allowed to retrieve the body once their work is done. You’ll also get to specify if a representative of the funeral home can retrieve any valuables of the deceased that may be there. You can find the Central Texas Autopsy’s release form on our website. Review the form to determine who should complete it and what information needs to be provided.
Central Texas Autopsy Location Information
Central Texas Autopsy is a nondescript medical facility across from an open area not far off the 183 in south central Lockhart. It’s also not far from the Lockhart Police Department. While the facility is not open to the general public, you can contact Central Texas Autopsy if their services are needed.
The office for Central Texas Autopsy is located at:
1515 S Commerce St
Lockhart, TX 78644
Business Hours
Monday – Friday: 9am-6pm
Central Texas Autopsy can be reached by phone at:
Main Office – (512) 398-4974
Emails can be sent to:
[email protected]
Alternative Autopsy Options in Central Texas
If Central Texas Autopsy isn’t able to provide services, local families have other options. There are several private forensic laboratories that are more than capable of providing an autopsy, toxicology reports and more.
One of those resources is Waterloo Mortuary. The onsite forensic pathologist is able to provide highly specialized pathology services that you may not be able to receive from Central Texas Autopsy or even the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office. These services include fetal autopsies and examining exhumed remains.
We understand that having to juggle working with a medical examiner, making funeral arrangements and notifying people of the death is a lot to deal with. If you’d like to discuss arranging funeral services when an autopsy is needed or would like to know more about Central Texas Autopsy, please give us a call or text at 512-222-8000.
We’re available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
