Investigators Wednesday were working to positively identify a body believed to be that of a 31-year-old Monrovia mother of two who went missing last week.
The body was found Tuesday in Lajoya McCoy’s car, which was located about a mile from her apartment.
McCoy was reported missing by family members after she missed some appointments. When Monrovia Police went to her home in the 800 block of West Olive Avenue on Monday, they discovered evidence of foul play, said sheriff’s Deputy Lillian Peck.
Monrovia police called in sheriff’s homicide detectives, and McCoy’s car was found in the 200 block of Cypress Avenue during a grid search of the area, Peck said.
McCoy’s family and friends gathered at a makeshift memorial this morning to remember her and await official confirmation of her death.
“She was smart. Very caring,” friend Deborah Campbell said. “I can’t believe this. Not this one.”
Due to the condition of the remains, the coroner was conducting further examination in order to positively identify the victim and determine the cause of her death, Deputy Ryan Rouzan said.
McCoy worked as an accountant with Los Angeles County and owned a clothing boutique, ABC7 reported. Friends said her two children, ages 7 and 9, were staying with their father when she went missing.
—City News Service