MARFA, Texas (AP) — A Texas judge says she initially determined that an autopsy should be conducted on Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
But Judge Cinderela Guevara says she changed her mind after speaking with Scalia’s doctor — who confirmed that the justice had a history of heart trouble and other illnesses. The judge says that medical history, and a lack of any signs of foul play, meant the justice likely died of natural causes and that no autopsy would be necessary.
Scalia was found dead in his room at a West Texas resort ranch Saturday morning. He was 79.
A manager at a Texas funeral home says Scalia’s family didn’t think a private autopsy was necessary, and requested that his remains be returned to Washington as soon as possible.
The owner of Cibolo Creek Ranch near Marfa, where Scalia died, said the justice seemed his usual self at dinner the night before he was found “in complete repose” in his room. John Poindexter told reporters Scalia was part of a group of about 35 weekend guests. He arrived Friday around noon.
