North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 130A. Public Health § 130A-394. Coroner to hold inquests

In every case requiring the medical examiner to be notified, as provided by G.S. 130A-383, the coroner shall be notified by the medical examiner, and the coroner shall hold an inquest and preliminary hearing in those instances as required in G.S. 152-7.  The coroner shall file a written report of his investigation with the district attorney of the superior court and the medical examiner.  The body shall remain in the custody and control of the medical examiner.  However, if a county has abolished the office of coroner pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 152A at a time when Chapter 152A was in effect in the county:  (i) The provisions of this Article relating to coroner shall not be applicable to the county, (ii) the provisions of G.S. 152A-9 shall remain in full force and effect in the county, and (iii) Chapter 152 of the General Statutes shall not be applicable in the county.