Final answer:
When a gunshot wound is found on a body from a house fire, it is crucial to immediately notify law enforcement, continue with the autopsy and toxicology reports, and potentially involve forensic anthropologists to provide more information for the investigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon identifying a gunshot wound on a charred body recovered from a residential house fire, the appropriate action would be to immediately notify law enforcement. This is essential because a gunshot wound suggests the possibility of foul play, and thus a potential crime scene. Once law enforcement is informed, they can secure the scene and begin an investigation. The role of the forensic pathologist will continue by conducting a thorough autopsy and completing a toxicology report. Upon final determination of the cause of death, this information may be critical in a legal investigation or trial, where the forensic pathologist may testify regarding the findings.
Forensic anthropologists could also be involved if skeletal remains are present, providing vital information about the decedent, such as age, sex, race, and stature, to support the investigation. It is crucial to coordinate with the appropriate domains of forensic science to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence is completed, facilitating the legal process.