Interim Replacement for Coroner Named

A medical examiner with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office has been named interim chief while a nationwide search is conducted to replace Ronald Kornblum, whose resignation becomes effective July 1, it was announced Thursday.

Lawrence Cogan, a senior medical examiner for four years, has been with the coroner’s office since 1977. He supervises deputy medical examiners and residents in forensic pathology.

Kornblum announced his resignation in April, after the release of an independent management audit that called for 155 changes in the coroner’s operations. The audit found that staff shortages, coupled with a growing homicide rate, were leading to a breakdown in controls as well as unsanitary conditions.