A man who came into prominence nationally for his stated work investigating the death of a black man at the hands of law enforcement in Missouri several years ago is now facing charges in Kansas for theft and not following state autopsy procedures.
Shawn Parcells faces three counts of felony theft and three misdemeanor counts of criminal desecration in Wabaunsee County after alleged incidents in 2014 and 2015. KVOE’s television partner, WIBW in Topeka, cites the Kansas Attorney General’s Office in alleging Parcells performed autopsies with no pathologist present, as is mandated by state law. The Topeka Capital-Journal says Parcells “used deception” to gain access to the three bodies in question before desecrating them.
Parcells, 39, is the owner of National Autopsy Services, with listed services including private autopsy, forensic pathology and tissue recovery. He became famous for a presentation on the autopsy of Michael Brown, who was shot dead by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014. Brown’s death set off demonstrations nationwide, including some violent ones.
Parcells’ next court appearance will be April 9 in Wabaunsee County.
