Update: Sheriff's Deputy Spotted Something Burning, Discovered it Was Body

Sheriff's homicide detectives Wednesday were investigating the discovery of a burned male body that was found in an unincorporated area near Covina.

The body was found at the intersection of East Covina Hills Road and East Via Verde Street about 3:45 a.m. Tuesday, said Deputy Don Walker of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.

A deputy driving eastbound on East Covina Hills Road saw something on fire along the road shoulder and after stopping, learned it was a burning body, Walker said.

The deputy used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames and found that the victim was dead, Walker said.

"Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary information suggests the body is an unknown male who was dumped at the location and set on fire," Walker said.

The victim's name, age and cause of death will be investigated by the coroner's office, Walker said.

Anyone with information about the case urged to contact sheriff's homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made by calling (800) 222-TIPS.

– City News Service.