The father of a homicide victim, Konrad Ellenberger, believes Milwaukee County is trying to nickel and dime families at the worst possible moment.
“I'm grief stricken about the loss of my daughter and granddaughter, but I am angry about the way I'm being treated,” said Ellenberger.
Last month his daughter and 4-year-old granddaughter were stabbed to death inside their far west side home, allegedly by his daughter's boyfriend. The man later set the house on fire. Their bodies were taken from the scene to the medical examiner's office. At a cost to the family of $150
According to the Medical Examiner’s Office, the price is set by state and local law. However, counties like Waukesha, Racine, and Jefferson have opted to not charge victim's families.
TODAY'S TMJ4 reached out to the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors and County Executive, Chris Abele, about the fees, but never heard back.
The family, however, did receive a letter from supervisor Deanna Alexander.
In it she writes ... "I remain open to considering policy changes that would help make Milwaukee County's process for dealing with such tragedies a better outcome for both the surviving families and the County as a whole."
The Medical Examiner's office says this "body transport" fee along with death certificate, and cremation charges bring in an estimated $1.6 million a year.
County Executive Chris Abele said he does not set the policy but will further research the issue.
"The Ellenberger family has suffered a senseless and horrific tragedy; our deepest sympathies go out to them. It is also understandable that the receipt of an invoice for fees related to this tragedy caused the family further distress. The county executive doesn't set this policy, but our office will further research the issue."
The Ellenberger said they are hurting for money, however feel it is unfair for victim's families to pay the fees if the office requests the autopsy.
"If people were cold and uncaring and would just turn their back on their relatives and didn't take responsibility as every good human being and Christian would do when it come to burying their loved ones - the entire expense related to this funeral and burial would lie with the county. And here we do the right things and they are trying to nickel and dime you to death."
