Decomposed Body of Girl, 12, Is Identified
A decomposed body of a young girl found in Wilmington was identified Tuesday as that of 12-year-old Monique Arroyo, who had last been seen by her mother Thursday morning.
The Los Angeles County coroner’s office conducted an autopsy Tuesday morning and made the identification through dental records.
“She did not die from a gunshot or stab wound . . . but because of the condition of the body, the cause of death has not yet been determined,” said Lt. John Dunkin of South Bureau Homicide. “We are treating it as a homicide.”
Monique was last seen by her mother early Thursday, sleeping in her second-story bedroom, Dunkin said. The girl’s father discovered her missing about 5:30 a.m. that morning.
Monique’s uncle, previously convicted of rape, was arrested later Thursday on a parole violation. He has been questioned about Monique’s disappearance, authorities said.
No one has yet been charged, Dunkin said, adding, “We have a number of leads and a great deal of evidence and information we need to follow up on.”
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