Detectives Requesting Public’s Help in Identifying Homicide Victim

North Hills – On Friday, August 18, 2000, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the badly decomposed body of a female victim was discovered lying in a dirt lot adjacent to several auto repair businesses, located at 8568 Sepulveda Boulevard. A transient who was cleaning up the lot made the discovery. Devonshire Homicide personnel and a Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator responded to the location and conducted the preliminary investigation. The post-mortem examination of the decedent was performed by a Deputy Coroner on August 21, and the death was ascribed to a single gunshot wound in the upper body. Foul play is suspected and the case is being handled as a Homicide, however the motive for the crime is uncertain. Robbery does not appear to be the motive.

The decedent has not been identified due to the advanced stage of decomposition. The investigators have opined the decedent likely met her demise at the location within one to three weeks prior to August 18. The victim’s age has been approximated at between 18 and 35 years old. The victim’s height has been estimated at 5′-3", and she was of a petite stature, with possibly shoulder length dark hair. The race of the victim has not been determined at this time. The lot the victim was found in lies to the rear of a bar, and is in the vicinity of several exotic dance clubs. This area of Sepulveda Boulevard is frequented by prostitutes.

Several articles of personal property, including jewelry, were found with the decedent. Homicide personnel are requesting the public’s assistance in attempting to gain information leading to the identity of the victim, as well as information regarding the murder, by displaying these items at a press conference. The items will be presented for photographic purposes.

The press conference will be held at Devonshire Station on Friday, August 25, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. Captain Jerry Szymanski, the Acting Commanding Officer for Devonshire Area, and the assigned detectives will be present to answer questions concerning the investigation. Copies of a public information flyer will be made available for distribution to the media as well.

Anyone with information should contact Detectives Joseph Fleming and Adelano Parga at 818-756-8291.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.