Rutherford County Breaks Ground on $15M Regional Forensic Center Expected 2027

Rutherford County recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new $15 million Regional Forensic Center in Smyrna, scheduled to open in early to mid-2027. The facility will include autopsy rooms, family meeting spaces, case file storage, and conference rooms, and is expected to increase the county's autopsy capacity from 300 to 1,000 annually while also serving surrounding counties. Officials highlighted that the center will reduce autopsy turnaround times by at least four weeks, speeding up investigations and providing critical support for families affected by sudden deaths. Medical Examiner Denise Martin emphasized the center's role in not only determining causes of death but also aiding public health monitoring and preventing future deaths. The project, supported for over 15 years and urged by a state health report, is seen as a vital upgrade to local forensic services, allowing more thorough and timely case analysis. Community members affected by slow investigations expressed hope that the new facility will offer better attention and communication for families during difficult times.