LAPD seeks leads on woman whose body was found in scrap yard

Los Angeles police are offering a $50,000 reward for information that helps identify a woman whose decomposed body was found last year in a recycling yard.

The woman' dental work was sent to the California Dental Assn. in hopes that a dentist might recognize the work and contact authorities, the Los Angeles Police Department said Thursday.

Authorities believe that the woman was white and between 50 and 70 years old. Her body was found Sept. 10, 2010, in the recycling yard near downtown, the LAPD said. She was wearing a sterling silver ring with an inexpensive blue alexandrite center stone, surrounded by cubic zirconium stones.

Investigators are not sure of the cause of death, which helps make the case "extremely challenging," said Lt. Paul Vernon, commander of the LAPD's Central Division detective unit.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Thayer Lake or Det. Brian Putnam at (213) 972-1254 or (213) 972-1257. Anonymous tips can be left at (800) 222-8477.

 

— Robert J. Lopez

twitter.com/LAJourno

Image: Artist's sketch of woman. Credit: LAPD