It shall be the duty of any person in the county having knowledge concerning a death occurring under the categories defined in Section 45-49-171.63 to report such death promptly to the County Medical Examiner of Mobile County or to any law enforcement agency who, in turn, shall promptly report the same to the County Medical Examiner of Mobile County. Deaths reportable to the county medical examiner must be reported whether the cause is known or suspected, primary or contributory, or recent, delayed, or remote. No one shall disturb or remove the body or human remains until authorized by the county medical examiner except for the purpose of preserving such body or remains from loss or destruction. Any person who knowingly fails to make such report or withholds related medical or other evidence, or willfully alters the body or related evidence without authority of the county medical examiner and outside the exceptions stated, shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined or sentenced, or both, according to law.
Ala. Code § 45-49-171.68 (1975)