Watch CBS News

Coroner's Officials Say Man Found Dead In SUV Died From Gunshot Wound

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A man found dead inside a Cadillac Escalade in the Fairfax district died from a gunshot wound to his chest, the coroner's office announced Tuesday.

Authorities have not yet been able to identify the victim.

Coroner's officials may take DNA samples and compare them with samples from the relatives of the vehicle's registered owner., coroner's Lt. Joe Bale said.

Dental records could also be used, Bale said.

A passerby notified police about the vehicle at 10 a.m. Saturday after smelling a strong stench coming from the vehicle, which was parked near Willoughby and Genesee avenues, according to the LAPD. It was found next to the city limit between Los Angeles and West Hollywood, two blocks northeast of Fairfax High School.

Authorities have not identified the registered owner of the vehicle.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.