New Mexico Statutes Chapter 24. Health and Safety § 24-11-5. Reports of violent death

When any person comes to a sudden, violent or untimely death or is found dead and the cause of death is unknown, anyone who becomes aware of the death shall report it immediately to law enforcement authorities or the office of the state or district medical investigator. The public official so notified, shall in turn notify either, or both, the appropriate law enforcement authorities or the office of the state or district medical investigator. The state or district medical investigator, or a deputy medical investigator under his direction, shall, without delay, view and take legal custody of the body.