Authorities Seek Help Identifying Man Found Dead In Dumpster Fire

SAN DIEGO, CA — Authorities are seeking the public's help to identify a man who died from burn injuries in February at a San Diego area shopping center.

Firefighters responded early in the morning on Feb. 21 to reports of flames coming from a dumpster enclosure at The Galleria shopping center at 2720 E. Plaza Blvd. in National City. After extinguishing the fire, crews found the man dead inside the enclosure, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.

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Investigators said the man has not been identified because of the extent of his injuries. He had no identification, clothing or personal items that could help determine who he was.

An anthropological examination suggested that the man may have been Black, likely in his late 30s to late 40s, and about 5 feet, 5 inches tall.

Authorities reviewed surveillance video after a witness reported seeing someone enter the dumpster enclosure the evening of Feb. 20. The footage showed a man matching the possible victim's description wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and red slippers.

Anyone with information that could help identify the man was asked to call the Medical Examiner's Office at 858-694-2905 and reference case No. 2026-00525.