Los Angeles: On Thursday, January 17, 2002, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Southwest patrol officers responded to a radio call of a dead body investigation in the 4000 block of Palmwood Drive.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a witness, checking the trash barrels located behind an apartment building at the location, noticed that one particular trash barrel seemed unusually heavy. The witness opened the trash bin lid and discovered the nude body of a human. Further investigation revealed the body to be that of a male, Black, 54 years-old. The victim was decapitated, however, the head has not been located.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. No motive for the murder has been established and the suspect(s) are unknown.

Southwest Homicide Detectives Walthers and Nolte are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to contact the detectives at 213-485-2417 during business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24 hour toll free number at detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

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