Body parts identified in Berkland case

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Florida State Attorney Bill Eddins said he believes the investigation into former medical examiner Dr. Michael Berkland is now complete.

Berkland is charged with improper storage of hazardous waste and one count of public nuisance. He was arrested after a storage unit that was sold at auction was found to have numerous body parts stored in it.

In addition to those charges, the state attorney's office announced Wednesday, November 14, Berkland is also charged with four counts of theft for having four whole hearts and brains in his possession.

The Florida State Attorney’s Office identified the four victims as Joyce Hendler, Melinda Watford, Jerry Preyer, and Clark Hosmer.

The Florida State Attorney’s Office said family members of the victims have been contacted and it is moving forward with prosecuting Berkland.

“In all cases, we evaluate our case by determining from the victim whether or not they're willing to testify and desire to move forward. And we've done that in this case. And they do (want to testify," said Eddins.

FOX10 has learned one of those victims, Jerry Preyer, was a mentally ill inmate at the Escambia County Jail. He died in June 2006 following an altercation with detention deputies in which he was shocked several times with a Taser stun gun.

We reached out to some of the victims family members but were unable to reach them.

 Berkland is expected back in court on January 9.

 However, Eddins said the additional theft charges may result in delays in the trial date.

“The state will be ready on time when it's regularly scheduled. It will be up to the defense to see if they need additional time,” said Eddins.  

Right now, Eddins said the state is involved in the discovery or deposition process.

“That process involves the state providing the defense with the names and addresses of all the witnesses and giving the defense the opportunity to question those witnesses under oath.”