The Chief Medical Examiner may assume responsibility for the disposal of identified human remains of a deceased resident of this State that are the subject of a medical examiner case if no one takes custody and control of the human remains for a period of 30 days after the Chief Medical Examiner has both completed an autopsy or necessary examination of the human remains and made reasonable inquiry under section 3028-D, subsection 1. Such abandoned remains may be interred or cremated. The Chief Medical Examiner shall file or cause to be filed a certificate of abandonment in the municipality where the human remains were recovered that indicates the means of disposal.

In the absence of a responsible party, payment of expenses incurred by the Chief Medical Examiner pursuant to this section must be made pursuant to section 3028-D, subsection 2 as if the remains were unidentified. The Chief Medical Examiner may seek to recover costs from the estate or municipality of residence of the deceased.’