Pocatello Doctor Accused Of Botching Autopsies

The Idaho Board of Medicine is investigating complaints that a Pocatello doctor – who is also an Idaho State University faculty member – botched 10 autopsies, including one involving a highly publicized murder.

The complaint contends that in one case Steve M. Skoumal of Pocatello determined a family died of carbon monoxide inhalation, but after the bodies were exhumed and sent to Boise another examiner found bullets in the victims’ heads.

Skoumal also testified as the state’s expert witness in the 2006 stabbing death of 16-year-old Cassie Jo Stoddart. The complaint says Skoumal couldn’t interpret wound patterns, and misidentified himself as a forensic pathologist.

Skoumal denies any wrongdoing. His attorney tells the Idaho Statesman that those complaining are primarily police and legal workers who didn’t get the answers they wanted.

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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com