Firefighters responding to reports of a blaze discovered the burning corpse in an alley at Jeffries Avenue and Huron Street shortly before 2:30 a.m. Authorities said the corpse was wrapped in a tarp.
The coroner's office confirmed the victim was a man. Homicide detectives said it's possible the victim may have been dead before he was dumped in the alley and set on fire.
Residents in the area are speculating whether the victim may be a transient who frequents the neighborhood. Meantime, police said they haven't ruled out the possibility that the death may be drug related.
"We're conducting the investigation as if it's a homicide pending the autopsy and further investigation," said LAPD Detective Larry Burcher.
Officials said they will likely use fingerprints and dental records to figure out the identity of the burned man.
If you have any information regarding this case, you're urged to contact LAPD at (877) LAPD-24-7 or (877) 527-3247.
