Source: Examination Was Done on Bevilacqua

My Fox Philly
February 10, 2012

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/source%3A-autopsy-was-done-on-bevilacqua

[with video]

Fox 29 has learned new details about the death of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua.

The Montgomery County coroner now says he brought the Cardinal's body to his offices for examination and toxicology tests.

The 88-year-old's death came one day after a judge ruled the Cardinal may have to testify in the sex abuse scandal that rocked the Philadelphia archdiocese.

In the days before Cardinal Bevilacqua's body was carried into the cathedral for his funeral and burial in a crypt, the Montgomery County coroner confirms for Fox 29 News he did call for an examination of the Cardinal's remains and for some tests to be done.

Dr. Walter Hoffman confirmed that he asked for the Cardinal's body to be transported from the Donohue Funeral Home to the coroner's office in Norristown a day after the Cardinal died at the local seminary where he resided in his later years.

Sources say the cardinal's body had already been embalmed, but Dr. Hoffman wanted to examine the body and perform toxicology tests.

Scott Sigmund, a former Philadelphia assistant district attorney, says the coroner was working within his powers to order the examination and those tests given the fact that the Cardinal did not die in a hospital or with a doctor present.

Sigmund points out that the Cardinal passed away just a day after a Philadelphia judge ruled that he might have to come to court to testify in the ongoing sex abuse scandal case that rocked the arch diocese.

Sources say neither the Philadelphia district attorney nor the Montgomery County district attorney asked Dr. Hoffman to perform an autopsy or do toxicology tests.

Those sources say the examination had nothing to do with the ongoing criminal case. The results of those toxicology tests could become evidence.

Dr. Hoffman told Fox 29 News the results of those toxicology tests may not be known until the end of the month or later.

He would not answer any further questions about his examination. The Cardinal's lawyer was unavailable for comment.