New Orleans Coroner’s Office announces Chief Investigator John Gagliano's retirement

Today, the New Orleans Coroner’s office announced that chief investigator John Gagliano has retired. "We are grateful for John's 44 years of service to the Coroner’s office and to our community," said Coroner Dr. Jeffrey Rouse. "Through all of the challenges this office has faced, including the historic effort to identify and care for those deceased during Hurricane Katrina, John has devoted himself to serving our City.  His work ethic is legendary and his presence will be missed by all of us at the Coroner’s office.  As we seek to modernize and transform our office, I am grateful for John's assistance during the transition."

The Coroner’s office also announced that Brian Lapeyrolerie has been hired as the new Chief Investigator, effective immediately.  An experienced law-enforcement professional, Brian has served as a member of Louisiana State Police and, most recently, as the interim chief investigator of the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office. A graduate of Xavier with a degree in biology, Brian has also served as a certified emergency medical technician in the New Orleans area.

"Brian's expertise and professionalism is well known in the law enforcement community, and I am confident that he will be a true asset for my office and for our city as a whole. His experience in investigations and in direct patient care makes him an ideal medicolegal death investigator." said Dr. Rouse.

“I am excited for this new opportunity that combines my background in the criminal justice system and in the healthcare system. I am looking forward to joining Dr. Rouse in our effort to bring the citizens of New Orleans the coroner’s office it deserves,” said Brian Lapeyrolerie.