Findings on Bevilacqua’s Death to Be Released

By John P. Martin
Philadelphia Inquirer
March 7, 2012

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/141820763.html

The Montgomery County Coroner plans to release findings on Thursday from his examination into the death of Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, his office said.

Coroner Walter I. Hofman had deferred declaring a cause of death for the 88-year-old prelate until he reviewed the toxicology results.

Bevilacqua died on Jan. 31 at his residence at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, where he retired in 2003 after 15 years as the leader of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Church officials had said that Bevilacqua had been in failing heath, suffering from cancer and dementia.

Hofman has said he saw no obvious signs of trauma or foul play during an initial exam of the body. But he deferred his ruling and ordered the toxicology tests at the request of Risa Vetri Ferman, the county district attorney.

Ferman said she asked for the exam because she found it "peculiar" that Bevilacqua died a day after a judge said he was competent to testify in the upcoming conspiracy and child-sex abuse trial of three archdiocesan priests.

Hofman had previously said he would notify prosecutors if his review turned up anything suspicious.

First Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele said Wednesday afternoon that his office had not yet been contacted by the coroner.

Contact John P. Martin at 215-854-4774, at jmartin@phillynews.com or follow him @JPMartinInky on Twitter.