How Fired Ex-Medical Examiner Could Figure Into Future Trials

The credibility of El Paso’s ex-medical examiner, Dr. Paul Shrode, could play a huge role in future trials.

Just this week, Monea Tyson, a former soldier, was acquitted of capital murder. Tyson’s own lawyers said the flimsy credibility of Shrode played a big role.

“I do think Dr. Schrode, that issue in itself, was a factor in the jury’s decision,” said District attorney Jaime Esparza.

His office has had a tough task prosecuting countless cases where defense attorneys tear apart Schrode’s testimony.

“I think that the resume issue has become just something that the other side has latched on to,” said Esparza.

ABC-7 first uncovered discrepancies in Shrode’s resume two years ago. El Paso County Commissioners fired him in May of this year.

In December 2009, defense attorney’s for Joshua Scott Wensel were quick to question Schrode’s medical background. Prosecutors said Wensel beat his 18-month-old step-son Malakai to death.

Wensel was acquitted of the murder charge but found guilty of the lesser charge of injury to a child.

“It’s going to be a continuing problem. There’s still a number of cases pending that still have Schrode’s name at the end of the autopsy report and its going to continue to be a question and continue to be a problem for the county and the District attorney’s office as long as Dr. Schrode stays away,” said Monea Tyson’s defense attorney, Leonard Morales.

Just Thursday, Morales admitted Schrode’s credibility was a key factor in winning the case.

The defense brought in county commissioner Anna Perez, who told jurors she didn’t think Schrode was truthful, and even though Shrode performed Jayceon Tyson’s autopsy, the state called on his interim, instead to testify.

“One of the things we’ll seriously consider each case by case, is just having Dr. Schrode come and testify, what he did, what he saw and what his opinion was. And if the other side wants to attack him on other issues certainly they’re free to do that and then let a jury decide,” said Esparza.

Perez told ABC-7 they have finalized a list of three to four medical examiner candidates and should have a new medical examiner within the next 30 days.