J4J,
I just finished a long "novel" to you, and I just poofed it! Man, sorry about that!
Okay, where do I begin this time?! First of all, I apologize for taking a few more days to get back to you than I originally thought. Second, you have my sincere condolences for your loss, and then the pain and agony endured in trying to find answers.
You have been given some very good recommendations from other posters! And it sounds as though contacting that college once your car is fixed, could be a great source for more specific information as to what is legal, etc. in NC. I know absolutely zip about NC legalities.
Question - have you checked to see whether the local PD or Sheriff's Dept has a Victims Services Dept? Most agencies of any decent size do, as there is normally state (and maybe federal?) funding for crime victims and their families. Therefore, there are counselors and other employees staffed to coordinate these situations. I am familiar with 4 LE agencies. Each one had this type of support, and just knowing the employees, no employee would have ever turned anyone away for asking general questions as to how the process works, etc. - not for only family members, but friends of victims, as well. Considering they work intimately with family members at the worst times of their lives, they know how to answer many of the hard questions and they know resources! They know people to contact, documents required, and can answer what to expect. They know the processes, as they are the ones guiding family members and telling them what happens next. They'd probably know what type of documents can be released, from whom, etc. If I understand your situation correctly, your brother's death was in NC, and you live in a different state. If it were me...I'd call the Durham PD (or similar) and ask for their Victim Services Dept...not the Sheriff's Dept. Just to get some general info.
Regarding your requests for info, I'm sure you had to do the FOIA in writing, but the other requests - have they been primarily in writing or on the phone? My current agency investigates EVERY written complaint received - it may be addressed to IA, the Director, the Chief, etc. - it doesn't matter where it starts at the top, it gets logged and then passed "down" to the Regional Commander. It's then logged in his office and then forwarded down the chain of command. The investigating officer(s) are notified of the complaint, and then the process of further review starts. All related documents, videos, etc. are then compiled and conclusions are reached, agreeing with initial findings or finding discrepancies. Then it goes back UP the chain for review...so honestly, it's pretty tough to have flagrant or sloppy work covered up. Of course, it depends on training and honest scrutiny from the chain of command. (I know that can be debated until the cows come home, LOL). A PROFESSIONAL agency would then send you a conclusionary letter summarizing their findings. You would most probably not be given copies of the internal memos, etc. But guess what - maybe NOW, after the complaint investigation, you could request them through the FOIA. At least in my state, you should be able to get them that way.
One last idea (I know I've made this too long, but I do tend to ramble)...UNC or other NC university...what about their law schools? I would bet someone in the law school would love to do a little research for someone as to what docs can be released, what state laws are regarding suicide investigations, autopsies, etc. Just a thought. Kill them with kindness, and someone might be willing to take your cause on...
Find out what documents you are entitled to, get those documents...and then reevaluate. If something still seems odd, (I cannot believe I'm saying this)...contact the media. They do tend to stir it up with LE
sometimes.
Keep us apprised. It sounds like a terrible mystery, and shows that there is always family behind every crime we hear about. The pain doesn't go away after the media coverage disappears.
