Los Angeles County Medical Examiner
Coverage of Los Angeles County Medical Examiner in the Nexus archive.
- Disturbing details on death of young woman who died on Carnival cruise near Catalina Island
A young woman who fell off a Carnival cruise ship near Catalina Island died by suicide, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The incident occurred during the cruise near Catalina Island.
- Cause of death revealed for 'The Ring' actress Daveigh Chase
The cause of death for actress Daveigh Chase has been revealed as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The report also cited 'chronic polysubstance use' as an additional significant condition.
- To loved ones, murder victim Zackery 'Turdle' Melton was far more than just 'unhoused'
Zackery 'Turdle' Melton, an unhoused man, was fatally shot at the Westminster Dog Park in April 2025. He was remembered as a community-oriented individual with a strong support network, and his death highlights rising gun violence against unhoused people in Los Angeles.
- Homicides are on decline in LA but shooting deaths of unhoused people remain disproportionately high
An investigation by LAist and The LA Local found at least 278 unhoused residents in Los Angeles have been shot and killed since 2015, with gunfire becoming the primary method of lethal violence against this population. While overall homicides in LA have declined, fatal shootings of unhoused individuals remained high between 2024 and 2025, even as overall homicides fell by 19% in 2025.
- 15-year-old arrested in connection with death of another teenager in Long Beach
A 15-year-old boy was arrested in Long Beach for fatally shooting another 15-year-old teenager. The incident occurred on Thursday, and the suspect fled the scene before authorities arrived. The motive remains unknown, and detectives are preparing to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
- 12-year-old Reseda girl in alleged bullying case died of natural causes, officials say
A 12-year-old girl from Reseda died of natural causes after an alleged bullying incident at school, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa was a student at Reseda High School. Her death sparked protests and a police investigation earlier this year.
- Girl, 12, was injured in alleged bullying incident. That wasn't what caused her death, M.E. says
A 12-year-old girl named Khimberly died due to an underlying medical condition after being hit in the head with a water bottle during an alleged bullying incident at school. The Los Angeles County medical examiner determined her cause of death. She was injured days before her death.
- Officials identify woman who fell to her death on Carnival cruise ship near Catalina Island
Briana Miller, 24, died after falling from a balcony on the Carnival Firenze cruise ship near Catalina Island. Officials identified her on April 30, though the cause of death remains undetermined.