Body of burning woman identified as L.A. resident

A woman whose burning body was found last week in Playa del Rey was identified Monday as Nicole Harvey, 21, of Los Angeles.

The motive for the crime remains a mystery, authorities said.

An autopsy was conducted Monday to determine the cause of death, but results are not expected until later this week.

The woman had been shot before she was set on fire, said Det. Brian Carr of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.

No other details were available about what happened to Harvey or where she lived.

Firefighters found the body in the 8100 block of Tuscany Avenue after a passing motorist reported what appeared to be a rubbish fire.

Harvey’s partially burned body was straddling the sidewalk and street; she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Carr or Det. Orlando Martinez at (213) 485-2129 during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the LAPD’s 24-hour Detective Information Desk at (877) 529-3855.

 valerie.reitman@latimes.com

Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.