Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kenny Su has submitted his resignation to the Postmortem Committee, with his last day set for Aug. 31. Attorney General Douglas Moylan said the departure reflects the ongoing difficulty Guam faces recruiting and retaining off-island professionals.
In an email to Moylan, Su said he will return to Sacramento County, California, to take on the chief forensic pathologist position he previously held.
“This was a tough decision and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” Su said.
Su served as Guam’s chief medical examiner for two years, during which he assisted with the development of standard operating procedures and related policymaking. He called it an “honor” to have served the people of Guam.
“I appreciate AG Moylan and the PMC for giving me the chance to work here,” Su said.
Su encouraged the Postmortem Committee to “support the office in every way possible” and offered recommendations for improving Guam’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).
Moylan said Su’s departure will have a negative impact.
“His loss, like Dr. Nine’s, will make dealing with especially the meth epidemic murders even more difficult. Finding another qualified CME will be difficult but I don’t like excuses and will find a way. Quick legislative changes will be necessary based upon my meeting today with Dr. Su,” Moylan said.
After Aug. 31, Moylan said Guam will tap into CMEs in Saipan and Hawaii however stressed it’s “Expensive to use and not same credentials.”
Su acknowledged that challenges at the OCME factored into his decision, though he said it was not made lightly.
“It can be part of the reason but it’s a tough decision too - both offices need help,” Su said.
To improve Guam’s OCME, Su said investment is needed beyond what the office has historically received — for both the facility and staffing.