July 27--The Kane County coroner's announcement that he will review prior death investigation cases for possible error drew criticism Monday from the physician and former political rival who inspired the idea.
Dr. Bob Tiballi on Monday criticized Coroner Rob Russell for breaching his confidence and publicly tying Tiballi to the cold case review without the Elgin doctor's prior knowledge or consent.
"I am literally stunned and shocked that he used my name without providing me with an opportunity to object and with complete disregard for my privacy and safety," Tiballi wrote in a letter he made available Monday to the Tribune.
Russell was elected coroner in 2012 after defeating Tiballi in the Republican primary.
Russell on Friday issued a news release announcing that he would begin a systematic review of prior coroner's inquest results after Tiballi had asked him to examine an older death investigation from the tenure of Coroner Chuck West. A coroner's inquest could not determine a cause of death in that case, but Tiballi believes it was a homicide.
The Tribune sought comment from Tiballi Friday but was unable to reach him.
In his letter, Tiballi said he did ask Russell for the review, but said he asked months ago and never heard whether the investigation yielded new information. He also said Russell agreed to keep his request confidential.
Russell needed to only find the file, "blow the dust off," and read it, a process he said should only take a hour and "not cost the taxpayers more than a couple dollars of someone's time," Tiballi said.
The doctor also referenced some of the ongoing public battles over budget issues that have pitted Russell and Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen.
"If he attempts to use this case as justification for recklessly overspending beyond his budget, the citizens of Kane County should know that this investigation should cost precious little if conducted by someone who knows what they are doing," Tiballi wrote.
Russell said Friday that he would personally conduct the initial review of cases, so there would no additional expense. If it appeared that many cases need review, Russell said he would seek help from volunteers with experience in law enforcement.
Russell said Monday he did try to contact Tiballi before he put out his news release, but the Tiballi did not return his call until after the Russell's office issued the release.
"It's unfortunate he feels that way," Russell said, "I was just trying to give him some credit."
He said there was more involved than simply "dusting off" the file and changing the outcome of a coroner's inquest.
Tiballi publicly referenced the old case during his run for office, so it was no secret, Russell said.
Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
