Section 45-49-171.66 - Autopsy or postmortem examination(a) An autopsy or postmortem examination may be performed by a county medical examiner, at the written direction of the district attorney or his or her authorized representative, in any case in which the district attorney is conducting a criminal investigation.(b) An autopsy or postmortem examination may be performed by a county medical examiner, or his or her designated pathologist, when he or she suspects the death was caused by a criminal act or omission, or the cause of death is obscure or in his or her opinion, an autopsy is advisable and in the public interest.(c) In a death where the county medical examiner does not deem it advisable and in the public interest that an autopsy be performed, but the next of kin of the deceased requests that an autopsy be performed, the state medical examiner, or a designated pathologist, may perform the autopsy and the cost therefor shall be paid by the next of kin.Ala. Code § 45-49-171.66 (1975)