Body discovered along Montebello bike path; murder investigation underway

MONTEBELLO, Calif. (KABC) -- A homicide investigation is underway after a body was found along a bike path in Montebello early Wednesday.

The victim, who Montebello police said was a man in his 30s, was found along the bike trail that runs down to the Rio Hondo channel, near Roosevelt Avenue.

According to police, a person traveling in the area at about 1:30 a.m. discovered the body. That person then led Montebello police officers to the location of the victim.

Police said the body had trauma to the head, and there is evidence that a shooting took place, but they could not immediately confirm whether the head wound was from a gunshot. Shell casings were found near the scene, police said.

The cause of the victim's death was not yet known.

The grim discovery had some residents fearing they knew the victim and worrying for their own safety.

"It's not the greatest thing to find out, but, I mean, it's the unfortunate reality of life. We've just got to be careful," said resident Alfredo Ramirez.

The Montebello Police Department will be working with the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office on the victim's identification, authorities said.

Anyone with information on the incident was urged to call the Montebello Police Department Investigation Bureau at 323-887-1200 x262