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NewsNovember 20, 2024

Wavis Jordan seeks court date clarification amid allegations of duty violations. With a motion hearing Thursday, Nov. 21, the case involves serious claims, including mishandling death investigations.

Wavis Jordan
Wavis Jordan

Outgoing Cape Girardeau County Coroner Wavis Jordan asked for clarification from Judge Amanda Oesch on Monday, Nov. 18, regarding his court appearance scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21.

Jordan is facing both a criminal case and a civil suit. The civil suit against him is being carried out by the Missouri Attorney General's Office. He was also not reelected to his position as coroner after Craig Williams won the nomination in a six-way race in the Aug. 6 primary election, and the subsequent general election Nov. 5.

Jordan also requested Wednesday, Nov. 20, that Oesch not allow KFVS12 to have cameras in the courtroom.

Jordan said in his correspondence to Oesch that he had not received a mail notification and had called the Cape Girardeau County Circuit office Monday. Jordan mentioned filing a motion Oct. 14. Missouri Case Net does not currently show a motion filed on that date, but did show a motion filed Oct. 3 to "stay civil proceedings pending resolution of criminal case".

Jordan states in a document filed with the court, that considering the motion he made Oct. 14, he necessitated the "confirmation of the court date and assurance that no proceedings transpired" without his knowledge. According to Missouri Case Net, a judge/clerk note was later attached to the correspondence stating Jordan had been contacted and told the hearing is still scheduled for Thursday and no decisions have been made.

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On Friday, Nov. 15, a relator's motion for judgment on the pleadings was filed by relator's co-counsel Miranda Loesch. The document stated that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey moved the court to enter judgment in favor of the relator and against the respondent Jordan.

The relator alleged the following seven counts in the document:

  • Jordan "willfully violated or neglected, or knowingly failed or refused to perform", his duty of taking possession "of all property of value found on dead bodies", making an inventory of property and returning "the property to the person entitled to its custody";
  • Jordan "willfully violated or neglected, or knowingly or willfully failed or refused to perform, his duty to properly list the cause and manner of death on decedent C.K.’s death certificate";
  • Jordan "willfully violated or neglected, or knowingly or willfully failed or refused to perform, his duty to properly list the cause and manner of death on decedent G.S.’s death certificate";
  • Jordan "willfully violated or neglected, or knowingly or willfully failed or refused to perform, his duty to properly list the cause and manner of death on decedent D.T.’s death certificate";
  • Jordan "willfully neglected or knowingly or willfully failed or refused to" investigate the cause of death of individuals and failed to take the necessary steps to be prepared to investigate the cause of death;
  • Jordan "willfully violated or neglected or knowingly failed or refused to" obtain blood from people who died in motor vehicle accidents;
  • Jordan "willfully neglected or knowingly violated his duty to refrain" from soliciting a funeral arrangement of the deceased.

The document states Jordan's answer to the allegations "failed to deny" counts one through six so they "are deemed admitted".

"The only count that document addressed responded to count VII (seven). Even assuming all facts alleged in Respondent’s answer as true, Relator is still entitled to relief," the document states.

Jordan's motion hearing is set at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

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