On June 6, 1968, the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in Los Angeles left the nation in shock, especially as he was the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the chief medical examiner and coroner, found himself at a critical juncture. Standing over RFK’s body, he reassured the senator’s grieving widow with the words, “Trust me,” knowing that the timely performance of the autopsy was vital. The investigation relied on his findings to seek justice for Sirhan Sirhan, the man apprehended at the scene. Noguchi was acutely aware of the stakes, fearing that interference by the Secret Service could obstruct the pursuit of truth, echoing the complications that followed President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.
This wasn’t Noguchi’s first involvement in a high-profile death; such cases would define his career. Dubbed the “coroner to the stars,” he conducted autopsies on notable celebrities like Natalie Wood, Sharon Tate, and John Belushi. His work did not merely center on the physical act of determining cause of death; rather, it marked a significant shift in how celebrity deaths were perceived in American culture. As Anne Soon Choi notes in her book “L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood,” Noguchi helped change public expectations, with society increasingly craving detailed accounts of celebrities’ final moments rather than just the austere facts surrounding their deaths. His role expanded the visibility and influence of the Chief Coroner.
Undeterred by the established norms of discretion among his predecessors, Noguchi transformed public scrutiny of his work. Instead of quietly managing investigations, he held press conferences that captivated public attention. His meticulous approach and high-profile cases led to a persona that captivated the media, culminating in a television show inspired by him, “Quincy, M.E.” His reputation soared after a diligent six-hour autopsy of RFK, which stood as a benchmark of forensic excellence. Following this assessment, he convincingly matched the physical evidence to the facts, dispelling eyewitness testimonies that suggested the contrary about the trajectory of the bullets.
Despite early uncertainties in his career, Noguchi swiftly evolved from naive to confident. His first high-profile autopsy involved the iconic Marilyn Monroe, whose toxicology report became a source of contention. This experience ignited a steadfast approach to his work, which journalists at the time termed the “Noguchi Show.” His relentless pursuit of truth sometimes led to impactful revelations, such as his assertion in 1982 that John Belushi’s death was due to a drug overdose, not a heart attack, thus leading to the arrest of a dealer implicated in the incident.
However, confidence can breed conflict, and Noguchi encountered considerable backlash, notably from Frank Sinatra. The musician was infuriated by Noguchi’s remarks regarding Natalie Wood’s drowning, leading him to demand the coroner’s removal from office. Following this, Noguchi faced disciplinary measures from the LA Board of Supervisors. Despite public and professional criticisms, he refused to compromise his integrity, upholding the principle that the medical examiner’s role was to report the truth, regardless of potential repercussions.
Ultimately, Noguchi’s career faced ongoing challenges as he dealt with the fallout from numerous controversies, culminating in a demotion in 1982. He continued to serve in various capacities until his retirement in 1999. Today, at 98 years old, he still engages as a teacher and mentor but maintains a low profile, having distanced himself from the media spotlight. His legacy in forensic science and celebrity culture remains significant, demonstrating how one individual’s determination can profoundly reshape public perception of death and its narrative in American society.
