Child's Body Discovered Dumped Along California Trail: Police

A child’s body was discovered along a popular trail in California after apparently being dumped on the path near a suitcase, authorities said.

The body of a little girl, believed to be between 8 and 13 years old, was found near the hiking trail south of Hacienda Boulevard and Glenmark Drive in Hacienda Heights about 10 a.m. Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

“Investigators believe the body was left at the location over 24 hours” before it was found, police said.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

“We are investigating this as a homicide scene, but again, we don’t have a lot of details regarding the victim,” Lt. Scott Hogland told KTLA-TV.

It was unclear if the child’s body showed any signs of trauma. Her identity was not immediately known, and the coroner’s office was needed to determine the child’s gender. The coroner will also work to determine the cause of death, officials said.

A law enforcement source told KTLA-TV the girl’s body was found inside luggage. Hogland told the television station a suitcase was found “in the close proximity” of the body, but could not say whether or not the victim was found inside the baggage. 

The body appeared to have been “dumped” or “pushed off the edge of roadway down the embankment,” Hogland said. It ended up on an equestrian trail, where gardeners in the area found it. 

Anyone with information about the incident or the victim is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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