Murdered Man Found Beneath Freeway Overpass

June 22, 2007

Los Angeles: Police are investigating the death of a 56-year-old man whose body was found underneath a freeway overpass Thursday morning in Los Angeles.

Shortly before 10: 15 a.m., on June 21, 2007, officers were dispatched to a death investigation call at the Riverside Drive off ramp, just south of the Golden State Freeway. CHP, who initially responded to the scene for a traffic accident, directed officers to the body of a Hispanic man lying on the ground.

According to investigators, the victim had become involved in an argument with another man, later identified as Oswaldo Mangas, 38. Mangas had become angry, picked up an unknown object and struck the victim on the head.

The victim suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.

After interviewing several witnesses in the area, including Mangas, investigators were able to determine Mangas as the suspect. He was booked for murder and bail was set at $1 million.

The victim’s name is being withheld until a family member has been notified.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northeast Homicide Detectives Larry Burcher or Harrold DiCroce at 213-847-4261. After hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).