The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) plays a critical role in public health and the justice system by providing data on deaths investigated in New Mexico. The OMI investigates any death occurring in the State of New Mexico that is sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected or where a person is found dead and the cause of death is unknown. Forensic pathology goes beyond determining causes of death—it offers crucial insights into public health trends, injury prevention, and the impacts of substance use, violence, and emerging health crises. By analyzing patterns in sudden, unexpected, or unnatural deaths, OMI’s data helps inform public health strategies, and improve safety measures. The OMI is designated as a special program within the Department of Pathology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
This page provides access to annual reports, interactive data dashboards, and research publications, offering transparency and valuable information for policymakers, researchers, public health professionals, media, and concerned members of the community.
Explore the Annual Reports for statistical summaries, visit the Data Dashboard for real-time trends, and review Research Publications to see how forensic pathology contributes to advancements in medicine, law, and public health.
Annual Reports: OMI death investigation data has been available electronically since the mid-1970s, providing a rich data source for researchers interested in mortality trends and risk factors. Over the years researchers at the University of New Mexico, the New Mexico Department of Health, and external agencies have used OMI data to better understand and prevent public health problems, such as youth suicide, drug overdose deaths, interpersonal violence, and motor vehicle fatalities. Each year OMI produces an annual report. Please click on the link below to access our annual reports