Controversy Surrounds Doctor’s Qualifications in Veracruz Teacher’s Death Investigation
A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the investigation into the death of Irma Hernández, a teacher found lifeless in Veracruz, Mexico, after questions arose regarding the qualifications of the doctor who performed her necropsy. The case has drawn scrutiny following statements from Governor Rocío Nahle and subsequent clarification from the state Prosecutor General.
The controversy began after Governor Nahle presented José Eduardo Márquez Nava as a forensic doctor during a press conference on July 18, tasked with explaining the cause of death of Hernández, who was allegedly kidnapped by members of the “Veracruz Mafia” and forced to plead for the safety of her fellow taxi drivers in a disturbing video. However, reports quickly surfaced indicating Márquez Nava does not hold a specialty in Forensic Medicine, despite being positioned as the lead expert in the case.
Prosecutor’s Office Defends Doctor’s Accreditation
Responding to the concerns, the Prosecutor General of the State of Veracruz issued a statement asserting that Márquez Nava possesses current accreditation in control and confidence evaluation, registered within the National Accreditation and Confidence Control System. This accreditation, the statement claims, “endorses his profile as a medical expert with a professional title and card,” and confirms he has “specialized knowledge in medicine and Forensic pathology that allow him to exercise his functions.”
The Public Ministry further explained that Márquez Nava’s qualifications permit him to offer opinions in accordance with articles 368 and 369 of the National Code of Criminal Procedures. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the necropsy opinion of Irma Hernández was issued “based on the results of the expert intervention carried out” while adhering to established protocols.
Doctor Details Findings, Governor Stands by Initial Assessment
Márquez Nava, identified as the coroner from the Tuxpan area who received Hernández’s body after it was discovered at a suspected “narcocampament,” publicly affirmed Governor Nahle’s initial assessment that the teacher died of a heart attack induced by the violence she endured. “With the data we obtained in the external analysis we could observe multiple injuries in different parts of the body, and in the internal analysis we could observe, with the opening of the cavities, that the injuries and alterations focused on the heart,” he explained. “There were not injuries in the skull, abdomen… externally, yes.”
Governor Nahle has staunchly defended her initial statements, reiterating that Hernández “was violated, and after being violated, unfortunately, she suffered a heart attack. That was the reality, whether people like it or not, I have to inform.”
Professional Background Confirmed, Specialty Absent
A search of the National Registry of Professionals of the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) confirmed José Eduardo Márquez Nava holds a valid surgeon’s license, issued in 2018 by the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, bearing the number 11155803. However, the registry contains no record of any specialization in Forensic Medicine under Márquez Nava’s name.
The situation raises questions about transparency and the presentation of expert testimony in a high-profile case, as authorities navigate the complexities of a sensitive investigation and public scrutiny.
