Prosecutor of Veracruz justifies lawfulness of post-mortem examination of former professor, Irma Hernández; supports medical expert's stance
In the northern part of Veracruz, retired teacher and taxi driver Irma Hernández was tragically kidnapped, recorded by an armed group, and subsequently murdered. The autopsy of Irma Hernández was conducted by José Eduardo Márquez Nava, a medical expert with a degree and professional license, who is also known for his specialized knowledge in medicine and forensic pathology.
However, public indignation and skepticism have arisen in Veracruz regarding Márquez Nava's role in the autopsy. According to available evidence, he does not have any officially registered medical specialty as a forensic pathologist or similar discipline, holding only a general medical degree without any recorded specialization in forensic medicine.
During a press conference, Márquez Nava, the medical examiner of the State Attorney General's Office in the Tuxpan area, revealed multiple injuries found on Irma Hernández's body. The autopsy, which was both internal and external, showed damage to her heart, causing a heart attack. Remarkably, the injuries found on Irma Hernández's body were centered in her heart, not in the cranium, thorax, or abdomen.
The data obtained from the external analysis of the autopsy showed multiple injuries in different parts of her body, and Márquez Nava has issued dictums in accordance with articles 368 and 369 of the National Criminal Procedure Code. The autopsy report, issued by Márquez Nava in accordance with the corresponding protocols, also confirmed that Irma Hernández was violated.
Despite the controversy surrounding his qualifications, the Veracruz State Attorney General's Office has defended the autopsy report conducted on Irma Hernández. Governor Rocío Nahle also revealed that Márquez Nava was the expert who performed the autopsy. Márquez Nava's Valid Control and Trust Evaluation is registered in the National Accreditation and Control of Trust System, which allows him to perform his functions due to his preparation.
Yet, the lack of recognized forensic medical credentials has fueled public debate, with social media sources stressing that although he was introduced as a forensic doctor, his qualification as a specialized "médico legista" is not officially documented. As the investigation into Irma Hernández's tragic death continues, questions about Márquez Nava's qualifications in conducting or interpreting the autopsy remain unanswered based on the latest available public records.
[1] "Irma Hernández: ¿Quién es el médico legista que realizó la autopsia?" La Silla Rota, 16 March 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.lasillarota.com/noticias/veracruz/irma-hernandez-quien-es-el-medico-legista-que-realizo-la-autopsia-1670971
[3] "Irma Hernández: ¿Quién es el médico legista que realizó la autopsia?" Proceso, 16 March 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.proceso.com.mx/365552/irma-hernandez-quien-es-el-medico-legista-que-realizo-la-autopsia
- The controversy surrounding Márquez Nava's qualifications has led to a public debate, with criticism focused on the lack of officially documented forensic medical credentials, despite him being introduced as a forensic doctor in the case of Irma Hernández's autopsy.
- The states of war-and-conflicts, politics, crime-and-justice, general-news, and policy-and-legislation have been central to the discussion surrounding Márquez Nava, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Irma Hernández, as questions arise about his qualifications.
- Although Márquez Nava is registered in the National Accreditation and Control of Trust System, the available evidence suggests that he does not have any officially registered medical specialty as a forensic pathologist, and this has raised concerns about his ability to conduct or interpret the autopsy of Irma Hernández, a retired teacher and taxi driver who was tragically kidnapped and murdered in Veracruz.
