Dr. Fahmy Malak, the former Arkansas medical examiner, died last week in Clearwater, Fla., at age 85. He had a controversial tenure here.

An Egyptian immigrant, he became Arkansas’s chief medical examiner in 1979.  From his obituary:


He was a strong advocate for science, truth and justice as he led the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to its first-ever national accreditation. He was honored to educate and train hundreds of medical students, residents, and allied health professionals throughout his career.

Malak’s role in some of the state’s most controversial cases ultimately led to his resignation under pressure in 1991. One finding, on the deaths of the boys found dead on railroad tracks in Saline County, was particularly controversial and an element in a case that lingers on in court today. Some of that history is recounted here.