When someone dies in a way that is sudden or unexpected, especially if that death is violent or suspicious, we want the most accurate possible answers to what happened, and we want these answers quickly. The best way for a city the size of Lubbock to provide these answers is to have an appropriately sized and equipped facility nearby.

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How Has Lubbock Been Providing Death Investigation Services?

For a few years, Lubbock autopsies were outsourced to Tarrant County, which likely caused delays in answers for families. I can’t imagine it was cheap for Lubbock County, either. In the past couple of years, the services have been performed in a temporary facility in town. However, Lubbock needed a permanent solution.

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Lubbock’s New ME Facility Designed With Growth In Mind

The obvious, yet unfortunate, outcome of having more and more people living in Lubbock is that more of them will eventually die here, too. Planning for that need is obviously the intelligent thing to do, and this facility has ample extra space to provide for that need. The facility was designed in collaboration with Dekker architects:

The 32,000sf design will result in a new office for MEO staff, which goes above and beyond the current aging facility. Through problem-focused and human centered design, evidence-based strategies for workplace wellness, and collaboration with Crime Lab Design and Lee Lewis Construction, we will bring greater efficiency and public trust to Lubbock County’s MEO.

What Areas Will The New Facility Serve?

In addition to Lubbock County, this office will serve Bailey, Cochran, Dickens, King, Parmer, and Winkler counties as well.

For more coverage on the new facility, check out this report from KCBD NewsChannel 11:

Every Texas Death Row Inmate Executed or Granted A Stay in 2025

In 2025, five men met the needle for crimes ranging from spree shooting to brutal beatings, while two men were granted stays of execution- for now. Here’s a look at what landed them on the row.

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven

 

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