Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner Calls for Greater Autopsy Transparency
7/21/2026, 1:01:55 AM
Push for Autopsy Transparency in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County chief medical examiner-coroner Dr. Odey Ukpo has publicly challenged the practice of sealing autopsy reports in high-profile investigations. He argues that withholding findings “goes completely against our mission” and that releasing details—such as confirming a death was not natural or drug-related—helps the public understand the circumstances and can aid investigations. The issue gained attention after the autopsy of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in a Tesla in the Hollywood Hills and whose death was ruled a stabbing.
Background: Role, Title Change, and Notable Cases
Appointed in 2023, Ukpo became the first Black leader of the office since its 1850 founding and oversaw a title revision that dropped “coroner” to emphasize independence from law-enforcement agencies. His office handles roughly 13,000 sudden deaths annually and has performed autopsies on celebrities such as rapper Mac Miller, actor Tommy Lister Jr., model Kim Porter, and “Friends” star Matthew Perry (whose death was attributed to acute ketamine toxicity).
Official Statements & Agency Responses
Ukpo reiterated that sealing reports “does not help police investigations” and stressed the need to disclose that “she was stabbed.” The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department defended security holds, stating they are “rarely requested” and used only when “temporarily withholding the autopsy report is necessary to preserve sensitive investigative information.” The Los Angeles Police Department declined comment, and the district attorney’s office offered no response.
Criticism & Concerns from Legal Experts
Criminal-defense attorney Andrew Bernstein warned that “buddy-buddy” relationships between medical examiners and police can create perceived bias, noting jurors may “pick up on that all the time.” He cautioned against excessive independence, saying “you don’t want a rock star chief medical examiner” and that the examiner should not make decisions “regardless of the wants and needs of police and prosecutors.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “unfathomable” her grieving parents had to wait months to learn how their daughter died. — Dr. Odey Ukpo
- “Life is complicated, but death is simple,” — Dr. Odey Ukpo
- “That goes completely against our mission,” — Dr. Odey Ukpo
- “'Coroner' just kind of confused our purpose and suggested that we were within a law enforcement agency,” — Dr. Odey Ukpo
- “You don't want a rock star chief medical examiner," he said.” — Andrew Bernstein, criminal-defense attorney
