PULASKI, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two teens and one young adult were potentially subjected to botched autopsies in 1991, when their bodies were pulled from Richland Creek in Giles County.
Steven Russell "Stevie" Bass, Patrick Fletcher, and Dennis Martindale were all found in the creek fully clothed, including shoes and jewelry.
They were reported missing by family on July 11, 1991, after their vehicle was found parked at the bridge on Prospect Elkton Highway.
The medical examiner at the time would go on to lose his medical license due to malpractice.
Current Giles County Medical Examiner, Dr. Joe Fite, has been asked to examine the deaths by District Attorney Brent Cooper.
"By opening this investigation, I am not saying conclusively that these deaths were homicides," said Cooper. "However, after reviewing the information available, there are enough unusual circumstances to warrant a closer look into the tragic deaths of these three young men."
Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Investigator Tommy Goetz with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office at 931-380-2536, ext. 109.
