From The Cincinnati Enquirer The Supreme Court of Ohio announced Wednesday it has sent The Enquirer's lawsuit against the Pike County Coroner's Office to mediation.
The Enquirer filed its lawsuit against the coroner's office July 26 after being denied access to the final autopsy reports for the eight family members of the Rhoden family killed in April.
According to a Wednesday news release, the court can dismiss the case or take other action if the parties fail to timely file merit briefs.
"I have inquired with the Pike County prosecutor (Rob Junk) to see if he feels there is any point in going through mediation give that both of us feel very strongly about our positions," Jack Greiner, general counsel for The Enquirer and Cincinnati.com, said. "It is difficult to see where there would be room to compromise."
Pike County Prosecutor Rob Junk declined to comment, citing the pending legal action.
The Columbus Dispatch on Monday also filed suit against the Pike County Coroner's office also alleging it was improperly withholding the same autopsy reports.