SIMI VALLEY : Body Identified as Thousand Oaks Man
A forensic dentist has identified a body found in a shallow grave in a Simi Valley ravine as that of a Thousand Oaks man reported missing in 1988, authorities said Thursday.
The remains, found by a hiker Feb. 28, were identified as those of Marcos Anthony Scott, Deputy Coroner Craig Stevens said. The cause of death was determined to be two gunshot wounds to the head.
Luis Roberto Benavidez, 39, was indicted by the Ventura County Grand Jury in connection with Scott’s death and awaits trial June 22.
Benavidez was a horse trainer at the Livingston Ranch in Simi Valley, near where the body was found. Benavidez was arrested March 20 after his ex-wife, Alicia, notified police that she believed he was responsible for the slaying.
Benavidez pleaded not guilty at his April 5 arraignment, and his attorney has dismissed his ex-wife’s accusation as an act of jealousy.
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