Burnt Body Identified; Information Sought

PALMDALE — Authorities have identified a man whose charred body was discovered under a train trestle in a remote area of Palmdale last week.

Coroner’s officials identified the body of Javier Gomez Rodriguez, 21, through fingerprints, authorities said. Rodriguez’s remains were found Friday near a rock quarry at Avenue T and 62nd Street East, said Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputy Boris Nikolof. He had been stabbed, then burned beyond recognition.

Sheriff’s homicide detectives have said they believe Rodriguez, who was also known as Luis Alcala Gomez, 25, was killed Thursday or Friday, doused with gasoline and set afire. They are asking the public’s help in finding out more information about the crime, Rodriguez’s personal life, where he lives and his whereabouts in the days preceding his death, Nikolof said. Anyone with information should call (213) 890-5500.