SPRINGFIELD, IL- Sangamon County Coroner Susan Boone issued a brief statement Monday morning indicating that she will retire effective June 30th.

Boone has come under fire in recent months for her use of Dr. Jessica Bowman to conduct autopsies. County officials said last week they wanted a new pathologist because they lacked confidence in Dr. Bowman. 

The county is even exploring the idea of abolishing the Coroner's Office altogether. County Board Chair Andy Vanmeter says the board is grateful Boone made her decision of retire, so they can begin to address the issue of the community not having confidence in the Coroner's Office.

County officials have begun accepting applications for a board certified pathologist to fill Boone's unexpired term. They also plan to have a management audit conducted on the Coroner's Office to determine if the coroner should be replaced with a medical examiner.