The Region - News from July 10, 1986

Special task force detectives said a woman found dead at a gas station near Watts apparently was not another victim of the so-called Southside Slayer. The woman, described as in her 20s, was spotted by a passing resident in back of a service station at Avalon Boulevard and Imperial Highway, said Los Angeles Police Lt. John Zorn, head of the team assigned to catch the long-sought serial killer. “The cause of death was not apparent, and the woman has not been identified,” a department press release stated. “This case has not been connected to the serial killer investigation. . . . A final determination will be made after the autopsy and preliminary investigation results are available.” As many as 16 slayings have been attributed to the serial killer since 1983, and authorities suspect a 17th woman also may have died at his hands. Most of the victims have been prostitutes.