Body Discovered in Dumpster After Fire Extinguished

UPDATE, 3:00pm:

Information relayed from the Los Angeles County Coroners Office revealed the victim to have a tongue ring.

UPDATE, 10:00am:

While processing the scene further, Whittier PD investigators in conjunction with Los Angeles County Coroners discovered two(2) tattoos on the victim's back upper shoulders. The first was a butterfly tattoo and was located on the left shoulder adjacent the shoulder blade. The second was the name, "DAVID" and was located on the right shoulder adjacent the shoulder blade.

Anyone with information pertaining to the victim's identity is encouraged to call the Whittier Police Department Tip Line at 562.945.8213.

Date: October 6, 2009
Contact: PIO Jason Zuhlke
Subject: Body Discovered in Dumpster After Fire Extinguished

Santa Fe Springs, CA. – Shortly after midnight on October 6th, the Whittier Police Department responded to 13146 Firestone Blvd., at the request of the Santa Fe Springs Fire Department. Moments earlier, Firefighters had extinguished a dumpster fire to the rear of the business and noticed charred remains of a human body. While the body was badly burned, it was clearly visible the victim had been bound at the hands and feet and appeared to be female. No suspects were located at the scene and the case is being investigated as a murder. Detectives encourage anyone with information pertaining to this case to contact the Whittier Police Department at 562.945.8213.

Additional media inquiries may be directed to PIO Jason Zuhlke at (562) 945-8282 or Mike Dekowski at 562.945.8286.