Los Angeles: On January 26, 2004, at about 10:40 p.m., a vehicle fire was reported in the area of 117^th Street and Broadway. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and after extinguishing the blaze, discovered the remains of a deceased woman inside the vehicle.

The victim was identified as Nicole Lee Smith, 31 years old. The cause of death is pending further examination by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Southeast Detectives, at 213-485-6902. On weekends and during off-hours please contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

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