The Ohio Attorney General has argued that releasing the autopsy reports from the Pike County killings in April would put the continued investigation in jeopardy. He also stated mediation of the lawsuits for the reports’ release. According to the Attorney General, the transparency of law enforcement is vital, but law enforcement must also have the ability to apprehend and prosecute criminals.

Some believe mediation would only support the state’s agenda to delay the production of the autopsy records. The Dispatch supported this stance, saying mediation “wouldn’t be fruitful.” The Enquirer and Cinncinnati.com are also opposed to mediation, calling it a delay tactic. The Attorney General responded to naysayers of mediation, saying the process offers those involved the opportunity to explore solutions that “could address the concerns of all parties.” He called mediation the most efficient and expeditious option.

Those opposed to mediation pointed out the Attorney General says the state wants to resolve the case, but so far have refused to make any type of settlement proposal. Many believe the state is not taking a good faith approach.

According to the Attorney General, releasing the autopsy report is dangerous because public release of information known only to law enforcement and those responsible for the killings threatens the investigation. It impedes investigators’ ability to distinguish fake leads from those that are real, wasting resources, and making it difficult to analyze confessions. It would also devalue information provided by any witness after the release and make fact-checking confessions even more difficult for law enforcement.