State ex rel. Murray v. Shanks

The County of Spokane and Lois Shanks, coroner, successfully moved for summary judgment dismissing a petition for mandamus to change the cause of death on the death certificate of Michael John Murray from "suicide" to "accidental." Mrs. Murray, the decedent's wife, appeals contending a genuine issue of material fact exists whether the county coroner's decision was arbitrary and capricious.

The affidavits and investigative reports filed in support of the motion for summary judgment reveal that on January 8, 1978, Mr. Murray was found dead in his car which was parked in his closed garage. The…