Human head found in bag along trail near Hollywood sign
Los Angeles police detectives are investigating the slaying of a man believed to be of Armenian descent whose head was discovered Tuesday afternoon by two dogs off a hiking trail below the Hollywood sign.
Two women were hiking with nine dogs in the rugged hills near the 3200 block of Canyon Drive when two of the dogs found a plastic bag in the brush containing the head, according to law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation, who asked not to be identified because the probe was still unfolding.
The sources said the head was believed to be that of a male in his 40s with salt-and-pepper hair. Police also believe that the slaying had occurred recently because of the condition of the remains.
Sources said investigators are trying to determine whether the area contains additional body parts. Neither the circumstances nor the cause of death were immediately known.
The case is being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.
In addition to combing the area for evidence, investigators will seek help from the Los Angeles County coroner to identify the victim through dental records.
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