An investigation was underway Thursday after two people were found dead at a homeless encampment in the Westlake District, including a woman whose body had been partially mauled by dogs.
The Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner identified the woman as 46-year-old Lucrecia Macias Barajas, who died Monday.
CBS 2 reported Barajas was an Army veteran and mother of six.
A death investigation radio call was generated about 7:20 p.m. Monday at a tent in the 1100 block of Huntley Drive, just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway, according to Officer Drake Madison of the LAPD’s Media Relations Division.
An ambulance was requested to the location less than an hour later, said Madison, adding that “a death investigation report was completed.” He also said that a pair of dogs were reported at the scene.
Barajas’ body was found inside the tent, and the man’s body was discovered nearby at an encampment along Huntley, according to KTLA5.
The tent had been locked from the inside, and family members who were unable to reach her tore open the tarp and discovered Barajas’ body, the television station reported, adding that one of Barajas’ daughters came to the scene and appeared distraught after learning of her mother’s death.
The deceased man has not been identified.
“This case reinforces our urgent need to address this grave humanitarian crisis. We will continue collaborating with the council office to bring more Angelenos inside and do all that we can to improve public safety, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement.
The cause of death of both victims remains under investigation.