Explore every episode of the podcast Kohroner Chronicles

Send us a text

As a forensic pathologist, I’ve spent most of my career unraveling the cold truths the dead leave behind—examining evidence that often speaks more clearly than the living ever could. Most of the cases I cover on Kohroner Chronicles are ones I’ve performed the autopsy for or at least reviewed directly for a local jurisdiction. But now and then, I get a case that’s entirely outside the norm.

This one came from a thousand miles away.

I’d never set foot in Montana before—still haven’t, actually—but a public defender out there found me during my semi-retirement and asked me to review a case involving a shooting. The catch? The circumstances involved an unfamiliar cast of characters, a love triangle gone sideways, and—most bizarrely—a can of bear spray.

Send us a text

Dr. Roland Kohr, forensic pathologist and host of The Kohroner Chronicles podcast, is no stranger to the murky waters of death investigations. But in episode 19, he pulled back the curtain on a disturbing case where a combination of questionable police conduct and a deeply flawed investigation allowed a woman who likely murdered her husband to walk free.

Send us a text

“This Is Not How It’s Done”: Dr. Kohr on Missteps, Misinformation, and a Crime Scene Gone Wrong

By the time Dr. Roland Kohr, forensic pathologist and former Vigo County coroner, found himself in conflict with the Terre Haute Police Department, he had already been involved with more homicides than most local detectives had even seen.

“I found out I was the bad guy,” he recalls. “I heard through the grapevine: ‘Who the heck does Dr. Kohr think he is telling us how to run police work? He’s never been a cop.’”

What they overlooked, however, was that Kohr had examined far more homicides than the entire detective division combined. Many of whom, at that point, had only handled two.

“That set the tone for the next four years,” he says, “and it was a great tragedy.”

Send us a text

Q&A with Dr. Roland Kohr, Host of Kohroner Chronicles

Q: Dr. Kohr, how did you choose forensics as your career path?
 A: I often say forensics chose me. I decided to become a doctor as early as ninth grade, inspired by a classmate who said he wanted to go into medicine. I liked science and math, and medicine seemed like a stable and respected career. My original interests leaned toward medical genetics. I even considered pursuing an MD/PhD, but after my first year of medical school, I realized that wasn’t the right direction.

Eventually, I gravitated toward surgery because I liked the idea of doing something definitive, fixing problems rather than managing chronic conditions. I began a general surgery residency but didn’t complete it. During medical school, I had done rotations in pathology, partly to help with surgical training, and I found it fascinating, especially the autopsy service.

Send us a text

Dr. Roland Kohr, longtime forensic pathologist and host of the Kohroner Chronicles podcast, is no stranger to serious and sometimes chilling stories. But in a recent episode, he recounted a case that brought unexpected humor, involving hearts, pranks, and an unforgettable Thanksgiving Day.

A Midwest Prank Takes a Bizarre Turn

As Dr. Kohr explained, mischievous pranks have long been a Halloween tradition across the Midwest,  such as lighting a bag of dog feces on fire on someone’s porch. But one year, a prankster raised the stakes.

Instead of a flaming bag, homeowners in Terre Haute found an unlit paper sack containing a piece of meat. Upon closer inspection, they realized they were staring at what appeared to be a heart, possibly a human one. Alarmed, they immediately called 911.

First Stop: The ER — And More Questions

Police arrived quickly and retrieved the strange specimen. With the hour growing late, officers took the heart to Union Hospital’s emergency room, hoping an ER doctor could identify it.

However, as Dr. Kohr noted, ER doctors rarely handle whole human hearts outside of very specialized fields like open heart and transplant surgery or autopsy pathology. The doctor on duty admitted he couldn’t tell if it was human, and recommended they call the coroner.

The task fell to Dr. Kohr, who arranged to meet officers the next morning at the hospital.

Send us a text

In a recent episode of his true-crime podcast Kohroner Chronicles, veteran forensic pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr took listeners inside a puzzling case from rural  Illinois— a case that underscores the critical role of thorough investigation and a healthy dose of skepticism when dealing with suspicious deaths.

Working Across Indiana and Illinois

Throughout his career, Dr. Kohr served as a forensic pathologist for up to 20 counties across Indiana and Illinois. While some of these areas had only part-time marshals or small-town deputies, Dr. Kohr stressed that appearances could be deceiving — and sometimes the most unassuming officers were the most tenacious and sharp.

In the case he recalled, it was a nearing-retirement sheriff’s deputy — whom Dr. Kohr referred to as "T.R." — who proved instrumental.

A Death That Didn't Quite Add Up

The case began with what appeared to be a tragic accident. A woman called 9-1-1 on a Sunday afternoon to report that her husband had accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun in their family room. The scene was set: gun-cleaning supplies neatly placed on a TV tray, the man found dead in his recliner with a gunshot wound to the forehead.

First responders, including attentive paramedics and sheriff’s deputies, noted details that would later raise doubts about the initial story. Dr. Kohr emphasized that early observations at a death scene are crucial and that even small details can become pivotal.

Send us a text

"Sometimes fiction is stranger than truth. And sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction—and occasionally, one overtakes the other."

Welcome back to another gripping episode of the Kohroner Chronicles, where we peel back the layers of darkness hiding in autopsy rooms and crime scenes. I’m Dr. Roland Kohr, forensic pathologist, and today we’re revisiting a case that eerily foreshadowed a scene made infamous in Breaking Bad, years before Vince Gilligan ever dreamed it up.

Breaking Bad—Before Breaking Bad

Most fans of Breaking Bad will recall the first-season scene where bodies are dissolved in acid. But right here in Vigo County, Indiana, we faced a real-life version of that gruesome tableau long before Hollywood got wind of it.

It started, as so many tragedies do, with a drug deal gone south. One co-conspirator shot the other and was left with a harrowing dilemma: how do you dispose of a body? His answer: acid.

Hydrochloric acid isn’t exactly a household item. Yet in this rural part of Indiana, small oil wells pepper the landscape, and acid drums aren’t unheard of at those sites. Though we never traced the exact origin of the acid used, that theory remains our leading contender.

Send us a text

Not every case that comes across the autopsy table is a sensational act of violence or a calculated crime. Sometimes, it’s not neglect in the traditional sense. Sometimes, it’s ignorance, and the price is tragically high.

In this episode, we look at the death of a 14-year-old girl whose life ended not with malice, but with a misjudgment so severe, it left a trail of questions that needed answers only an autopsy could reveal.

A Special Needs Patient, A Complex Procedure

The young girl in this case lived with profound developmental disabilities. While she was 14 in age, her mental function was closer to that of a 3- or 4-year-old. Her care was a challenge, especially when it came to basic medical procedures, like dental care.

Each year, she was taken to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, where dental work could be safely completed under general anesthesia. For such procedures, doctors opted for nasal tracheal intubation, a breathing tube inserted through the nose instead of the mouth, to allow full access to the oral cavity.

A Bleeding Complication

On her most recent visit, the procedure was routine, until the end. Upon removing the breathing tube, she suffered a significant nasal hemorrhage. Not severe enough to panic the physicians, but serious enough to warrant extended monitoring. There was concern she may have aspirated blood into her lungs.

After several hours of observation, she was deemed stable and discharged. Along with instructions, the family was sent home with Tylenol with codeine, a once-common narcotic pain reliever.

A Shocking Morning Discovery

Two days later, on a Wednesday morning, the child’s grandmother found her non-responsive and covered in blood. Emergency services were summoned, but it was too late. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. That’s when I received the call.

What looked like a post-surgical complication now demanded a full forensic autopsy. Had she drowned in her own blood? Had the pain medication played a role?

The Autopsy: Blood in the Lungs

The autopsy confirmed the grim suspicion: her airways were filled with blood. She had aspirated a significant amount, effectively drowning in her sleep. But that wasn’t the end of the mystery.

Toxicology results were ordered, standard in any pediatric death, and especially vital in a case involving prescribed narcotics.

A Toxic Twist

While waiting on lab results, I received repeated calls from the girl’s mother, pressing for the report. She even mentioned needing it for an attorney. Something in the tone raised red flags.

Two weeks later, the toxicology report came in. It revealed toxic levels of codeine in the child’s system. Not a full-blown overdose, but well beyond what would be considered safe or therapeutic.

I immediately contacted the family. When I mentioned the codeine levels, chaos erupted on the other end of the phone. Screaming. An argument in the background. Then silence.

Send us a text

Surfing Deaths in the Midwest? Dr. Roland Kohr Explores Two Unusual Vigo County Cases on the Latest Episode of Kohroner Chronicles

In the latest episode of Kohroner Chronicles, forensic pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr unpacks two baffling deaths in Vigo County that both fall under an unexpected category: "surfing" accidents, except these didn’t involve ocean waves.

With decades of experience unraveling medical mysteries, Dr. Kohr invites listeners to journey through forensic oddities, and this episode delivers a particularly haunting look at two tragic cases rooted in thrill-seeking behavior and dangerous trends.

Send us a text

What first appeared to be a grisly homicide turned out to be a tragic accident, unraveled not by detectives, but by the keen eye of forensic pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr, host of the compelling true-crime podcast Kohroner Chronicles.

In his latest episode, Dr. Kohr walks listeners through a haunting case from his decades-long career in forensic medicine. The victim: an elderly woman in her 80s, found naked and bloodied on her bedroom floor with a phone receiver off the hook and blood smeared across its handle. With signs pointing to violence and blood in multiple rooms, law enforcement initially feared the worst. But as Dr. Kohr explains, “Not everything is what it first appears to be.”

Send us a text

The Science Behind Forensic Entomology: A Deep Dive with Dr. Roland Kohr

Welcome to another gripping episode of Kohroner Chronicles, where we unravel the mysteries of forensic science with Dr. Roland Kohr. In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of forensic entomology—the study of insects in criminal investigations. How do tiny creatures help solve some of the most perplexing murder cases? Tune in to find out!

How Insects Help Solve Crimes

Did you know that insects, particularly flies and beetles, are nature’s detectives? These creatures arrive at a body in predictable waves, allowing forensic scientists to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI). Dr. Kohr shares real-life cases where blowflies, the first responders to a crime scene, played a pivotal role in establishing timelines and uncovering the truth.

The Process of Forensic Entomology

Step into the shoes of a forensic entomologist. Dr. Kohr breaks down how insect samples are collected at crime scenes, how environmental factors like temperature and humidity influence their activity, and how these tiny clues are analyzed in the lab. By tracking the life cycle of maggots, investigators can determine when a person died—crucial information that can make or break a case.

Send us a text

Dr. Roland Kohr, forensic pathologist and host of the popular podcast Kohroner Chronicles, recently delved into the perplexing circumstances surrounding the death of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman. The case, which captured national attention, unraveled as a tragic tale of isolation, illness, and the relentless march of time.

Hackman, a revered actor known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found deceased after reportedly being dead for an entire week. The circumstances surrounding his passing were immediately shrouded in mystery, sparking speculation and concern. Dr. Kohr, whose podcast explores the intersection of forensic science and true crime, provided a professional and scientific breakdown of the case.

According to Dr. Kohr, Hackman’s wife, significantly younger than the 94-year-old actor, had tragically passed away due to complications from hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal infection linked to rodents. Living in the remote desert Southwest, the couple was isolated, with no regular visitors or check-ins. When Hackman’s wife succumbed to the virus, the Academy Award-winning actor, already suffering from advanced dementia, was left entirely alone, unable to seek help or even comprehend the situation.

Send us a text

Uncovering Secrets: A Tale of Homicide, Dogs, and the Unexpected
Episode Spotlight from Kohroner Chronicles with Dr. Roland Kohr

Welcome to Kohroner Chronicles, the podcast where Dr. Roland Kohr, forensic pathologist, delves into the intriguing and often perplexing world of forensic science. In today’s episode, Dr. Kohr recounts a case from his time in Terre Haute that took an unusual turn, blending the tragic, the bizarre, and the unexpectedly humorous.

The story begins on a Sunday afternoon in a residential area near railroad tracks. A dog, seemingly on a mission, had been digging and unearthed something grim: human remains. A passerby stumbled upon the scene and quickly alerted the police. Upon their arrival, authorities contacted Dr. Kohr to oversee the excavation.

The victim, a young woman who had been reported missing weeks earlier, was found buried near a fallen tree, just 50 feet from a well-traveled street. Despite the proximity to a public area, the grave was haphazardly concealed. As the body was uncovered, one detail stood out: part of her upper extremity was missing.

Identification was possible thanks to a unique, unfinished tattoo. A friend of the victim provided a photo of the tattoo’s progress, which matched perfectly. Investigators confirmed that the victim’s significant other, known for a tumultuous relationship with her and threats to her life, was responsible for her murder. 

What followed, however, was a twist no one expected.

Send us a text

Welcome to another episode of Kohroner Chronicles with Dr. Roland Kohr, a forensic pathologist. In today’s story, Dr. Kohr delves into the complexities of preparing a homicide case for trial—emphasizing how thorough preparation and an understanding of basic medical principles are crucial not only to solving a crime but to securing justice in the courtroom.

The Case of the Innocent Victim

The case in question involved the tragic death of a five-year-old boy at the hands of his mother, a harrowing scenario that shocked even seasoned professionals like Dr. Kohr. The mother, a known drug user with a criminal record, drowned her son while under the influence of methamphetamine, an act as grotesque as it was heartbreaking.

“When it’s a child,” Dr. Kohr reflects, “you take it personally. You’re dealing with someone completely innocent, and it brings a certain righteous indignation to the case.” The boy’s remains were recovered from a shallow pond, and the case was referred to Dr. Kohr for autopsy.

One of the challenges Dr. Kohr highlights is that diagnosing drowning isn’t as straightforward as people might think. “There’s no magic test for drowning,” he explains. “It’s a diagnosis of exclusion. Water in the lungs isn’t proof positive—someone could be shot and dumped in water, and their lungs might contain water. Conversely, I’ve seen drowning victims with relatively dry lungs due to the body’s absorption of the water through the alveolar membranes.”

Send us a text

The Tragedy on the Tracks: Unraveling the Case of an Unfortunate Accident

Dr. Roland Kohr, a seasoned forensic pathologist, brings decades of experience to his gripping podcast Kohroner Chronicles, where he shares the complexities of life, death, and everything in between. In this episode, Dr. Kohr revisits a case from Vigo County, Indiana, a haunting incident involving a tragic death on the railroad tracks near Terre Haute. Despite clear evidence pointing to an accident, the victim’s family remained steadfast in their belief that foul play was involved. This case demonstrates how the non-homicide cases can sometimes be more challenging than solving outright murders.

The Scene: A Journey Across the Wabash River

The victim was a man in his mid-30s from West Terre Haute, a community across the Wabash River known for its economic struggles compared to its eastern neighbor. On the night in question, he embarked on an evening of modest revelry, armed with $40 in his pocket. Witnesses later reported seeing him visit a local bar, consume a few drinks, and purchase marijuana before beginning his walk back home.

As a figure well-known to local law enforcement, the man likely wanted to avoid attracting attention. Instead of crossing back via the U.S. 40 bridge—near both City Hall and the Sheriff’s Department—he opted for a quieter, riskier route: a nearby railroad trestle. This decision would prove fatal.

Send us a text

Welcome to another gripping episode of Kohroner Chronicles with Dr. Roland Kohr, where the line between science and mystery often blurs. In this episode, we delve into a fascinating case that demonstrates how initial appearances can be deceiving and how the meticulous application of forensic science can reveal the unexpected.

Dr. Kohr opens by emphasizing a fact often overlooked in the sensationalized portrayals of forensic work: homicides account for only about five percent of a forensic pathologist’s practice. Yet, it is often with other cases that initially seem to be homicides can turn out to be something entirely different that challenges the skills and expertise of forensic professionals.

One such case unfolded, involving a homeless man whose death initially appeared to be the result of foul play. The story began on a pleasant spring morning when the man, who had been residing at a local homeless shelter, volunteered to sort bricks at a nearby building demolition site to earn some pocket money. After starting to feel unwell, he decided to return to the shelter, taking an alleyway route. He was later discovered unresponsive by a teenager on a dirt bike, whose suspicious actions—failing to assist and instead alerting others before riding away—added an air of mystery.

Send us a text

A Legacy of Justice: Dr. Roland Kohr's Unorthodox Career

Dr. Roland Kohr, a distinguished coroner with decades of experience spanning 13 counties in Indiana and Illinois, has seen more than his share of unusual cases. Though typically called to testify for the prosecution, his expertise has been sought in both civil and criminal cases, including cold cases requiring fresh perspectives. One such case involved Earl Taylor, a man whose actions would haunt two generations of Terre Haute residents.

The Death of Earl's Second Wife: A Midnight Drive Turned Deadly

In 1987, Earl Taylor claimed his wife couldn’t sleep one night. His solution? A late-night drive, supposedly to help her relax. After waking a babysitter and dropping off their two young children, the couple embarked on a drive that would end in tragedy.

According to Earl, a raccoon darted across the road, causing his wife to swerve their Pontiac Fiero into a pond. Earl allegedly escaped but was unable to free his wife. He ran to a nearby condominium complex for help, conveniently knocking on the door of their church minister. By the time first responders arrived, his wife had drowned.

The story unraveled quickly. Investigators found several troubling details:

• The driver's seat was pushed so far back that Earl's wife, barely over five feet tall, couldn’t have reached the pedals.
• The driver’s seatbelt was jammed into the passenger-side receptacle, rigged with a coin to prevent release.
• Black electrical tape obscured the dome light, making the interior harder to see.
• A child's rubber ball had been wedged into the door and steering wheel, locking the wheel in a straight position.

Send us a text

Mystery Deepens in Small-Town Death: Drunken Fall or Homicide?

In a case that shook a small Illinois town to its core, a death initially ruled as an accidental fall may have been a calculated act of violence. The victim, a man locals affectionately knew as “Charlie,” was found lifeless in a concrete culvert just blocks from his favorite bar. What appeared to be a tragic misstep quickly escalated into a suspected homicide, thanks to forensic expertise and the meticulous work of Dr. Roland Kohr, a well-known forensic pathologist.

The Initial Discovery

Charlie, a habitual bar patron, was discovered early one morning, his body crumpled in a culvert behind the bar where he spent most evenings. To onlookers, the scene suggested a straightforward conclusion: Charlie, intoxicated as usual, had fallen and struck his head. Local authorities, familiar with Charlie’s history of heavy drinking, were quick to chalk it up to misfortune.

The county coroner, while not a physician, was seasoned in his role and decided to proceed with an autopsy out of caution. The task fell to the hospital pathologist, who identified brain hemorrhaging and bruising consistent with head trauma. However, something about the injuries raised enough questions for her to seek a second opinion.

Send us a text

Local Forensic Pathologist Shares Disturbing Case Files

Dr. Roland M. Kohr, a seasoned forensic pathologist and host of the podcast Kohroner Chronicles, recently shared a shocking account from his career that illustrates the often grim and revolting reality of crime scenes. Unlike the pristine, organized settings depicted in television dramas, real crime scenes frequently offer a far more chaotic and repulsive picture.

One case stood out in particular for Dr. Kohr due to its extreme nature. The call originated from concerned neighbors requesting a wellness check after noticing the immaculate lawn of their reclusive neighbor had gone untrimmed for nearly a week—a stark departure from his usual twice-weekly mowing routine. This observation led police to a shocking discovery.

A Disturbing Scene

Officers arrived at the modest home within city limits and knocked on the front door. When no one answered, they circled the property and peered through a window, spotting the homeowner lying face down on the sun porch floor. After forcing entry into the home, they were immediately confronted by an overwhelming stench and an infestation of cockroaches, prompting an unusual sight: officers standing outside with their pant legs tucked into their socks.

“When I arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your typical crime scene,” Dr. Kohr recounted. “The officers explained the precaution of tucking their pants, which made sense as soon as I stepped inside.”

The home was in complete disarray. The living room floor was buried under knee-high piles of magazines, books, food wrappers, and miscellaneous debris. A narrow path, just wide enough for one person, snaked through the mess. The air was stifling, filled with a rancid combination of rot and neglect.

Send us a text

Forensic Pathology Unveils the Truth Behind Two Gripping Homicide Cases

In two separate cases, forensic analysis played a pivotal role in unraveling deceptive stories crafted by suspects, ultimately leading to justice. Forensic evidence tore apart alibis in each case and painted a grim picture of what transpired. Here’s how Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr used his expertise to bring the truth to light.

The “Impossible Reach” Case: A Shotgun Alibi Shattered

In the first case, a suspect claimed he was trying to wrestle a shotgun away from his partner in an attempt to prevent her from harming herself. According to his account, as he struggled to disarm her, the weapon inadvertently discharged, causing a fatal wound to her chest. But forensic evidence and an autopsy told a starkly different story.

The Science Behind Shotgun Spread

Forensic pathologists found telltale signs that discredited the suspect’s story. The shotgun was loaded with birdshot, which disperses in a cone-shaped pattern when discharged. This spread created a pattern referred to in forensic pathology as a defect with “satellite wounds,” which appeared on the victim’s chest several inches apart. This dispersion indicated the weapon was fired from a distance of several feet away, rather than pressed against the skin, as the suspect’s account implied.

“In forensics, we look closely at wound patterns. The further away a shotgun is fired from, the wider the spread of pellets,” Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr explained.