Sun Valley Woman Slain, Left on Tracks
A 47-year-old Sun Valley woman was murdered, then placed on a railroad track where her body was struck by a train, authorities said Saturday.
A Southern Pacific Railroad engineer saw the body on the tracks, in the 7800 block of San Fernando Road, about 1:10 a.m., but was unable to stop the train in time.
Los Angeles police detectives concluded that the woman, Rufina Stevens, 47, had been killed before she was placed on the tracks, although an autopsy will be conducted, said Sgt. Kamran Khan.
Khan said Stevens’ clothing was found a short distance from her body.
Stevens was last seen by her family about 9:30 p.m. Friday, when she told them she was going to the grocery store. Police said Stevens usually took the bus to the store.
Police said they have no leads in the case.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
