A long time friend of Scalia’s went with after his son's plans changed. He is the one who notified the family leading me to believe he was not just Scalia’s friend, but a family friend. He was their surrogate.
If that pillow was anything other than a prop for his head, don't you think he would have said as much? Did you see the molding on the headboard? I would need several pillows between my head and the headboard for comfort.
Consenting to an autopsy on a loved one is not something most people do without anguish. His family did not see the need for one. Since Scalia did not raise a family of dummies it is fair to say, based on the information provided by the authorities and Scalia’s friend, there was no need for a post-mortem.
The government does not own our bodies in life or death. Absent any evidence (not suspicion) of foul play, it is no one’s business but the family's. For any of us to think we know better than his family is the ultimate insult to the memory of Scalia.
It’s a matter of national security. It shouldn’t be the family’s call.
In fact, an autopsy should always be conducted on anyone in one of the 3 branches of government.
However, many things are taken from the hands of families by the government. Ransom, visitation in a war zone, etc. National security does — and should — override.