District Attorney aims to explain death investigation process

FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL DANNY GOODMAN, 29TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

Understanding the Death Investigation Process in Dyer County
Transparency, Accountability, and Teamwork Among Local and State Partners

DYERSBURG, Tenn. – District Attorney General Danny Goodman of the 29th Judicial District (Dyer and Lake Counties) is issuing this statement to help the public understand the process of death investigations within Dyer County and to address recent public discussion surrounding a specific case investigated earlier this summer inside the Dyersburg city limits.

📸: Goodman speaks to WBBJ (August 2025)

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-7-108, certain categories of deaths must by law be reported to the Dyer County Medical Examiner’s Office. These include, but are not limited to:

• Any suspicious or unexplained death
• Any death of a person under 18 years of age
• Traumatic or unnatural deaths
• Unattended or unwitnessed deaths
• Violent deaths
• Suspected elder abuse deaths
• Accidental deaths, including overdoses and traffic fatalities
• Any death occurring in custody or during medical procedures
• And even apparent natural deaths, when circumstances are uncertain or recent medical care is lacking

When any of these situations occur within Dyer County, the Dyersburg Police Department, Newbern Police Department, Trimble Police Department, Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and West Tennessee Healthcare – Dyersburg Hospital immediately notify the Dyer County Medical Examiner’s Office for review and guidance. Likewise, when any of these situations occur within Lake County, the Tiptonville Police Department, Ridgely Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County EMS immediately notify the Lake County Medical Examiner’s Office for review and guidance.

Dr. Casey Monique-Bolden, the Dyer County Medical Examiner, noted that even natural or expected deaths are frequently reported out of an abundance of caution, to ensure that every death receives proper review and documentation. This diligence reflects the professionalism and accountability of local law enforcement, emergency responders, and healthcare professionals.

Autopsy Authority and Purpose

Both the District Attorney General and the County Medical Examiner hold statutory authority under Tennessee law to order an autopsy. These examinations may be ordered for a range of reasons, including:

• When a death may involve criminal activity
• When clarity is needed regarding cause and manner of death
• When an autopsy report may be necessary for future civil litigation, such as in vehicle fatalities or workplace deaths

“Each death investigation in Dyer and Lake Counties is handled with integrity and thoroughness,” said District Attorney General Danny Goodman. “Our office collaborates daily with law enforcement and medical professionals to ensure every case is reviewed properly. We want the public to understand that no single person acts alone in this process – there are multiple agencies involved and multiple reviews before definitive conclusions are reached.”

Case Example: July 10, 2025 – Dyersburg, Tennessee

On July 10, 2025, Tennessee Homeless Solutions requested a welfare check on one of their clients who had not been heard from in several days. A concerned friend went to the individual’s residence and discovered the man deceased. The friend immediately called 911, which prompted a response from the Dyersburg Fire Department, Dyersburg Police Department, and Dyer County EMS.

The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Following standard protocol, the Dyer County Medical Examiner’s Office was notified and began coordinating with local law enforcement to initiate a full death investigation.

Because of extreme environmental conditions and information gathered during the preliminary review, it was determined that an autopsy would be warranted. According to the National Weather Service, outside temperatures in Dyersburg between July 9 and July 10, 2025, reached record highs of 101°F–102°F, and the residence’s central air conditioning was not operational at the time.

The decedent was identified by the Dyer County Medical Examiner’s Office as Mr. Terry R. Sipes, a 64-year-old white male, born July 28, 1960. His remains were transported to the Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, where Dr. Rivera, a state forensic pathologist, performed an independent autopsy on July 12, 2025.

Official Autopsy Findings

Below is an excerpt from Dr. Rivera’s final post-mortem report:

“This 64-year-old man, identified as Terry R. Sipes, was reportedly found in a state of decomposition inside his residence following a welfare check on July 10, 2025. The decedent had a history of polysubstance abuse (alcohol and illicit drugs).

Autopsy examination revealed severe atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, pulmonary anthracosis, and decomposition changes. Toxicology testing detected cannabinoids and cocaine metabolites consistent with recent use.

Given that the central air conditioning was not operational and the outdoor temperatures exceeded 100°F, heat exposure cannot be excluded as a contributing factor.

Based on all available information, the cause of death is best attributed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with recent cocaine use contributing. The manner of death is classified as undetermined.”

Because this death can not definitively be differentiated between a natural death (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) and an accidental death (cocaine use/heat exposure) – the manner is classified as undetermined.

There was no external or internal trauma. There is no suspect in this case. It is considered closed.

Transparency and Inter-Agency Cooperation

General Goodman emphasized that every death investigation in Dyer County involves multiple agencies, independent reviews, and collaborative oversight. Each agency plays a vital role – law enforcement investigates the scene and circumstances, the Medical Examiner’s Office evaluates medical and forensic evidence, and the District Attorney’s Office ensures that all legal and procedural standards are met.

“Rest assured,” said Goodman, “there are many sets of eyes on every death case in this county – from first responders to medical professionals to prosecutorial review. We release this information in the spirit of transparency and to correct the false and misleading claims that have circulated publicly. These suggestions only serve to undermine the dedicated teamwork, accountability, and investigative integrity of all those who serve this community.”

Final Statement by District Attorney General Danny Goodman

“As the elected District Attorney General of the 29th Judicial District, we do not create facts, nor do we destroy facts. We do not prosecute based on opinions, innuendo, rumors, or public pressure. Our duty is not to satisfy speculation or emotion, but to evaluate the evidence as it exists – to seek the truth, apply the law fairly, and pursue justice without bias or outside influence.

We follow the evidence wherever it leads, guided not by personal agenda, but by the Constitution and the rule of law. Every case is handled with fairness, integrity, and respect for due process. Justice is never manufactured; it is discovered through facts, evidence, and the deliberate pursuit of truth.

Our office remains steadfast in this commitment – to act with objectivity, transparency, and the highest ethical standards – ensuring that the people of Dyer and Lake Counties can have full confidence in the fairness and integrity of their criminal justice system.”

About the 29th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
The 29th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of District Attorney General Danny Goodman, serves Dyer and Lake Counties. The office prosecutes criminal offenses and partners with law enforcement, victim advocates, and community organizations to uphold justice and enhance public safety throughout West Tennessee.

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