By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-908189.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- – A delay in medical treatment for an assault victim who eventually died has resulted in policy changes at the Lexington Division of Police.
Chief Ronnie Bastin issued a memorandum Thursday to his bureau commanders.
"Effective immediately, the Division of Fire shall assume responsibility for pronouncing death and will also assume the responsibility for notification of the coroner's office."
Bastin says Lexington Police takes responsibility for its initial response in the Umi Southworth case. When police found the 44-year-old woman on June 9, she was badly beaten and appeared to be dead.
"Mistakes were made, and we're here to take responsibility for those mistakes and not to offer excuses. The most serious mistake was the improper assessment of the presence of life in Mrs. Southworth. Another mistake was the lack of timely notification of our coroner."
Southworth died at UK Hospital the following day. No arrests have been made.