Final answer:
The individual responsible for identifying persons in cases of criminally wrongful death and gathering evidence for prosecutors is the coroner. Coroners work with forensic pathologists, who examine deceased bodies to determine the cause of death, and forensic anthropologists, who provide information on human remains for further analysis by the forensic pathologist.
Step-by-step explanation:
The professional concerned with identifying persons responsible for the criminally wrongful death of another and assembling information to present to a prosecutor is the coroner. A coroner, often in collaboration with forensic pathologists and other specialists, conducts investigations into sudden, unexplained, or violent deaths. While the forensic pathologist performs autopsies and determines the cause of death, the coroner is involved in the broader scope of an investigation, which could include inquests and the certification of death. The coroner's role may extend to testifying in court to share findings that can be key to criminal proceedings.
Forensic anthropology is another crucial field in death investigations, where specialists ascertain vital details about the decedent, such as age, race, sex, and stature through the analysis of skeletal remains. Forensic anthropologists work closely with pathologists, providing critical information that can help in establishing the circumstances around the death. However, it is the role of the coroner to lead the legal inquiry into the death, correlating the forensic evidence with the investigative work to deliver a clear narrative that the legal system can use for prosecution.
Television shows and high-profile cases have amplified the public's interest in forensic pathology, but it is the combined efforts of experts including forensics teams, medical examiners, and coroners that ensure justice is served and wrongful convictions due to faulty evidence or testimonies are minimized.