Press Releases

Dr. Odey C. Ukpo Appointed as Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner

 Dr. Odey C. Ukpo Appointed as Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner 1024 577 Medical Examiner-Coroner

Dr. Odey C. Ukpo Appointed as Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner On March 7, 2023, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Odey C. Ukpo as Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner to lead one of the most prominent medical examiner’s offices in the nation. Dr. Ukpo is the first African American to serve as Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner…

Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner Releases Statement Underscoring Independent Approach to Death Investigations

 Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner Releases Statement Underscoring Independent Approach to Death Investigations 1024 682 Medical Examiner-Coroner

(en Español) March 1, 2023 – The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner released the following statement in response to assertions made based on a new report by UCLA’s Biocritical Studies Lab:  While the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner (DMEC) appreciates efforts to bring attention to the important topic of in-custody deaths, our department…

Monterey Park mass shooting victims identified

 Monterey Park mass shooting victims identified 150 150 Medical Examiner-Coroner

Jan. 24, 2023 - In the late evening of Jan. 22, eleven people were killed when a gunman entered a Monterey Park dance studio and fatally shot six women and five men.

Dr. Odey C. Ukpo appointed by Board of Supervisors as Interim Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner

 Dr. Odey C. Ukpo appointed by Board of Supervisors as Interim Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner 1024 577 Medical Examiner-Coroner

Nov. 4, 2022 - Dr. Ukpo is the first African American to serve as Chief-Medical Examiner-Coroner since the office was established in 1850.

DMEC Addresses "Evaluating the Autopsies of 59 Deaths in Los Angeles County Jails, 2009-2019" Report - UPDATE

 DMEC Addresses "Evaluating the Autopsies of 59 Deaths in Los Angeles County Jails, 2009-2019" Report - UPDATE 150 150 Medical Examiner-Coroner

June 1, 2022 - The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner released the following statement on findings released today by UCLA’s BioCritical Studies Labs regarding in-custody deaths.

Inquest Findings Released in the Deaths of Dijon Kizzee, Samuel Herrera Jr. and Dana Young Jr.

 Inquest Findings Released in the Deaths of Dijon Kizzee, Samuel Herrera Jr. and Dana Young Jr. 150 150 Medical Examiner-Coroner

Jan. 28, 2022 - Retired Justice Candace Cooper submitted her findings.

MEDIA ADVISORY: ME-C to Conduct Inquests in the Deaths of Dijon Kizzee, Samuel Herrera, Jr., and Dana Young, Jr.

 MEDIA ADVISORY: ME-C to Conduct Inquests in the Deaths of Dijon Kizzee, Samuel Herrera, Jr., and Dana Young, Jr. 150 150 Medical Examiner-Coroner

Dec. 13, 2021 - In partnership with the honorable Justice Candace Cooper, DMEC will conduct inquests in the deaths of Dijon Kizzee, Samuel Herrera, Jr., and Dana Young, Jr.

Medical Examiner-Coroner to Conduct Inquests in the Deaths of Dijon Kizzee, Samuel Herrera, and Dana Young, Jr.

 Medical Examiner-Coroner to Conduct Inquests in the Deaths of Dijon Kizzee, Samuel Herrera, and Dana Young, Jr. 150 150 Medical Examiner-Coroner

Nov. 5, 2021 - Retired Justice Candace Cooper has been appointed as the hearing officer who will preside over the inquests to determine the circumstances, manner, and cause of their deaths.

The Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner reopens facility to the public

 The Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner reopens facility to the public 1024 682 Medical Examiner-Coroner

Oct. 1, 2021 - Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department is enforcing strict health protocols to maintain staff and visitor safety.

Information for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

 Information for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance 1024 577 Medical Examiner-Coroner

April 27, 2021 - FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.