TEN FACTORS OF A SUSPICIOUS DEATH WITH A HISTORY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

A QUICK-POCKET REFERENCE GUIDE

Effective Ja.1, 2025, Joanna’s Law (SB 989), codified as Penal Code §§ 679.07, 13519, and Government Code § 27491, creates enhanced law enforcement protocols and procedures for investigating the death of a decedent whose cause of death initially appears to be suicide or accident where there is a history of domestic violence.

1. Victim dies prematurely/unexpectedly

2. Appears to be a suicide or accident scene

3. One partner wanted to end the relationship

4. Prior history of DV or coercive control

5. Victim found dead in a home/residence

6. Victim found by partner, current or previous

7. Prior history of strangulation/suffocation against partner (including previous relationships)

8. Partner is the last to see the victim alive

9. Partner has control of the crime scene before police arrive

10. Crime scene altered in some way

If three or more of the factors are present, law enforcement must interview family and/or friends and may request an autopsy.

(California Penal Code Section 679.07)