Ex-LA Medical Examiner Investigator Pleads No Contest to Stealing from the Dead

Adrian Muñoz faces probation, jail time, and loss of certification after admitting to theft during death investigations.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a gold crucifix necklace against a pitch-black background, with dramatic lighting and stark contrast creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic.The theft of personal items from the deceased during death investigations can inflict further trauma on grieving families.Los Angeles Today

A former Los Angeles County medical examiner investigator has pleaded no contest to stealing items, including a gold crucifix necklace and rare antique coins, from deceased individuals during death investigations. Adrian Muñoz, 36, is expected to receive two years of formal probation, serve 180 days in county jail, resign from his Peace Officer Standards and Training certification, and pay restitution to victims' families.

Why it matters

This case highlights the abuse of power and violation of public trust when officials tasked with handling the deceased and supporting grieving families instead choose to steal from the dead. It raises concerns about oversight and accountability within the medical examiner's office and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

Prosecutors said the case stems from a January 2023 death investigation in South Los Angeles, where Muñoz was seen on surveillance footage removing a gold crucifix necklace from a deceased man's neck and placing it in his medical bag without documenting or returning the item. During a subsequent search of Muñoz's desk, investigators also recovered rare antique coins along with a receipt in the name of another man whose death Muñoz had investigated in November 2022.

  • On January 6, 2023, Muñoz responded to a report of a warehouse worker who died of a heart attack.
  • In November 2022, Muñoz investigated the death of another man whose rare antique coins were later found in Muñoz's desk.

The players

Adrian Muñoz

A 36-year-old former Los Angeles County medical examiner investigator who pleaded no contest to stealing items from deceased individuals during death investigations.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who stated that Muñoz's actions were 'especially appalling' and that the plea is 'a step toward justice' for the affected families.

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What they’re saying

“There is something especially appalling about stealing from the dead. During a time when dignity and respect should be absolute, Mr. Muñoz chose greed.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

What’s next

Muñoz is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, where he is expected to receive two years of formal probation, serve 180 days in county jail, resign from his Peace Officer Standards and Training certification, and pay restitution to victims' families.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures within the medical examiner's office to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the violation of public trust. It serves as a reminder that those entrusted with handling the deceased must uphold the highest standards of ethics and respect.