Family And Friends Rally For Carina Saunders

About two dozen friends and family members rallied at the front doors of the Attorney General's office today, not to protest, but to thank the AG for keeping Carina Saunder's autopsy sealed. Now, the family says they want the legislature to take the next step.<br />

Friday, March 2nd 2012, 3:04 pm

By: not available not available

Family And Friends Rally For Carina Saunders

"We're very grateful to the attorney general and the M.E. for keeping this private for us," said Sara Saunders, Carina's sister.

It has not been an easy 5 months for Saunder's family. But today they are celebrating a small victory. Family members asked the medical examiner not release Saunder's autopsy to the public.

"I'm a father, father of five. I got four left. I don't want them knowing what's in there," said Richard Saunders. "I don't want the public walking up and saying, ‘Man do you believe that stuff?' It's not necessary."

The AG has agreed to support the ME's decision. A spokesperson for the AG's office released the following statement: "The release of the autopsy report at this time would seriously jeopardize the ability of law enforcement to find and prosecute Carina's killer."

Now family members say they are pushing to change the Oklahoma Open Records law to add a Family Consent Act. That would leave the release of an autopsy report up to the family's discretion.

"There's other people out there. Not just my family. Not just Carina's medical examiner's reports. There's other people going through the same thing. Let's make statement. Let's change it," said Saunders.

Saunders says he has seen his daughter's report, but it's so horrific he doesn't want anyone else to see it, even his own children.

"I don't want to know what all they did to her," said Sara Saunders. "I can't."

Saunders says he has been in contact with several lawmakers, who he says have expressed interest in supporting such a law next legislative session.