Special circumstances
What if the death involved a crime?
Short answer
Do not disturb the scene. Law enforcement will be involved. Victim's compensation funds may be available for surviving family members in California — contact the California Victim Compensation Board. You can hire a victim's advocate to help navigate the process.
What this usually means
Do not disturb the scene. Law enforcement will be involved. Victim's compensation funds may be available for surviving family members in California — contact the California Victim Compensation Board. You can hire a victim's advocate to help navigate the process.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.