L.A. Medical Examiner Investigator Pleads Guilty to Theft from Dead

Adrian Munoz admitted to stealing a gold crucifix and rare coins from deceased individuals he was investigating.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a gold crucifix against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The theft of personal effects from the deceased by a medical examiner's investigator has shaken public trust in the system.Los Angeles Today

Adrian Munoz, a 36-year-old investigator with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, pleaded no contest to theft charges on Friday for stealing a gold crucifix from the neck of a dead warehouse employee in South L.A. in 2023. Prosecutors also said Munoz stole rare antique coins from another deceased individual he investigated in late 2022.

Why it matters

This case has shocked the community, as the public expects medical examiners and death investigators to treat the deceased with the utmost dignity and respect. Stealing from the dead represents a severe breach of the public's trust in these critical public servants.

The details

According to prosecutors, Munoz was responding to the death of a warehouse employee in South L.A. in January 2023 when he snatched a gold crucifix from the deceased individual's neck and hid it in his medical bag. A subsequent investigation led to a search of Munoz's desk, where detectives found rare antique coins that belonged to another deceased person Munoz had investigated in late 2022.

  • In January 2023, Munoz allegedly stole a gold crucifix from the neck of a deceased warehouse employee.
  • In late 2022, Munoz allegedly stole rare antique coins from another deceased individual he was investigating.

The players

Adrian Munoz

A 36-year-old investigator with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office who pleaded no contest to theft charges for stealing from the deceased individuals he was investigating.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who stated that Munoz's actions were 'especially appalling' and represented an additional trauma inflicted on grieving 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

Under the terms of the plea deal, Munoz will serve 180 days in county jail, spend two years on probation, pay restitution to the victims' families, and give up his right to serve as a peace officer or death investigator in California.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity among medical examiners and death investigators, who are entrusted with the solemn responsibility of treating the deceased and their families with the utmost dignity and respect.