Police Check Prints From Severed Hands
Fingerprints from severed hands found near a pair of feet in Sylmar will be checked against the files of local, state and federal agencies for a possible match, authorities said Thursday.
The county coroner’s office has begun work on identifying the body parts, which were discovered by a pedestrian Wednesday in the 15000 block of Roxford Street. Investigators who searched the neighborhood Thursday for additional remains found none.
Capt. David Campbell, a spokesman for the county coroner, said investigators will look for distinguishing characteristics such as scars or tattoos.
A forensic anthropologist will try to determine the age, sex and ethnicity of the victim, which officials said remained unclear because of discoloration and dehydration. But they said the parts appeared to be from one body.
“We’re still baffled,” said homicide Det. Frank Bishop. “Right now, we are considering all scenarios. Everything is speculation. The investigation will be a long, slow process.”
Authorities will review missing persons reports for possible leads.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (818) 834-3115 or (818) 756-8861.
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