January 19, 2012 Charisse Van Horn reporting- On January 19, 2012, CBS confirmed that Los Angeles authorities found additional body parts in Hollywood Hills. The gruesome discovery followed that of a human head that was found in a bag on January 18, 2012. Two women hiking in the area along with their nine dogs say that two of the dogs ran ahead and found the bag that contained the head. However, the identity of the victim has not been released but authorities believe the victim is a male in his mid 40s to early 60s and of Armenian descent. A photo of the crime scene area, located near the 3200 block of Canyon Drive captured by the L.A. Times shows several police cars, an SUV, and truck as they survey the area for evidence.
Authorities have been careful not to release too much information as the case is open, but did say they believe the murder was recent due to the condition of the remains. The man’s head is described as having salt and pepper hair. The investigation yielded the discovery of additional body parts, including two hands and two feet. Investigators with the Robbery and Homicide Division of the Los Angeles Police Department found the remaining body parts approximately 50 yards from where the bag with the head was located on Tuesday.
Los Angeles Police Commander Andrew Smith announced to media, “A severed human hand has been located. It`s in close proximity to the severed head so we have every reason to believe that it`s the same individual.”
The body parts have been transported to the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office where they will be examined. Of special interest will be if medical examiners can match fingerprints from the victim’s hands to those of missing persons. Fingerprints and dental records are two methods commonly used to help identify unknown persons.
It is unclear if there are additional body parts in the area. Due to the way, the body parts were strewn through the area, and the fact the head was in a bag, authorities believe the victim was murdered in another location, dismembered, and then left near the Hollywood Hills sign.
Click the video player to the left for an on the scene report by KCAL/KLBS and My Fox LA.
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