The body of a child thought to be 7 to 10 years old was found Tuesday near a hiking trail in the Hacienda Heights area, prompting an investigation by homicide detectives.
The discovery was made about 10:35 a.m. near Hacienda Boulevard and Glenmark Drive, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "Tragically, the body of what appears to be a young girl was found by county Parks and Recreation staff this morning along the Skyline Trail in Hacienda Heights," according to a statement released by county Supervisor Janice Hahn.
"Sheriff's Homicide Bureau detectives are on the scene investigating and my office is receiving updates. I trust they will identify this young victim and find whoever is responsible for this child's death."
Investigators believe the remains were left at that location within the past 24 hours, according to Deputy Trina Schrader of the Sheriff's Information Bureau.
Schrader said she could not immediately confirm reports that the body was found inside a suitcase, but did say that some luggage was found in the area.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
