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Pierce County selects new medical examiner

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Pierce County has selected its new medical examiner, following investigations about Pierce County’s former medical examiner, Dr. Thomas Clark, and his announcement in late November that he was stepping down.

>> Embattled Pierce County Medical Examiner says he’s leaving his post amid ongoing investigation

According to a release from the county, Dr. Mark A. Fajardo, current Chief Pathologist for the Riverside County Sheriff Coroner in California, was selected, pending his confirmation by the Pierce County Council.

The new medical examiner announcement comes after months of employee complaints against Clark, including a whistleblower complaint, accusations filed with the Washington Medical Commission and an investigation by the state Department of Health.

Fajardo has practiced forensic pathology for 20 years and spent three years as the Chief Medical Examiner at Los Angeles County.

“I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Fajardo to Pierce County,” said County Executive Bruce Dammeier. “He brings an impressive combination of technical skill, a collaborative nature and strong administrative experience to his new role.”

According to the release, Fajardo has performed more than 6,500 autopsies, including more than 400 homicide cases.

Fajardo is expected to relocate to Pierce County in early 2020.

Below is previous coverage of the former Pierce County Medical Examiner:

October 1: Pierce County whistleblower to get big cash settlement

September 9: 2016 whistleblower complaint alleged similar behavior by Pierce County Medical Examiner

September 6: Suspended Pierce County forensic pathologist says she’s being targeted because she’s gay

August 21: Video shows Pierce County medical examiner discussing controversial decision about teen’s death

August 19: Pierce County's prosecuting attorney says subpoenas demanding records from media won't be refiled

May 14: Employee claims Pierce County Medical Examiner fabricated evidence

April 11: Family of teen who died in fall from Puyallup bridge suing to have cause of death changed

March 13: Employees speak out on Pierce County Medical Examiner

March 12: Family claims Pierce County medical examiner should not have ruled son's death a suicide

March 8: Attorney representing Pierce County Medical Examiner responds to complaints

March 7: Independent review unveils concerns on some of Pierce County Medical Examiner's conclusions

March 6: Police speak out on how Pierce County medical examiner handled possible homicide case

March 4: Pierce County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Clark now facing three separate complaints

March 1: New details on the investigation into Pierce County Medical Examiner Dr. Tom Clark

January 24: Whistleblower accuses Pierce County Medical Examiner of shoddy death investigations