Remains found wrapped in bags in Boyle Heights determined to be not human

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The discovery of remains wrapped in multiple plastic bags and emitting a foul smell near the 60 Freeway in Boyle Heights triggered a death investigation early Friday, but experts later determined the material is not human.

Officers were called to the Soto Street off-ramp on the westbound side of the freeway just after 3 a.m. to investigate a "suspicious circumstance," according to the California Highway Patrol.

That's where multiple plastic bags were discovered next to an electrical utility box. Authorities did not confirm what the bags contained, but the incident was being treated as a death investigation, according to Sgt. Ivan Sanchez.

Authorities said homeless individuals in the area first noticed a foul odor Thursday and notified a nearby construction crew who then alerted the CHP.

CHP Officer Roberto Gomez said that smell is indicative of possible remains.

By later Friday morning, CHP officials said it had been determined the remains are not human.

More information about the nature of the remains, where they came from and whether a crime occurred has not been disclosed.