Woman’s Torso Found in Dumpster While Man Scavenged for Recyclables

A man found a woman's torso in a dumpster while scavenging for recyclables in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The man discovered the woman's remains at around 6:15 a.m. in Encino, KTLA reported.

“Officers responded and they were able to verify that there were human remains inside a black [plastic] bag,” LAPD homicide detective Efren Guttierez told the station.

The black bag was placed inside of a duffel bag before being left in the dumpster. No additional body parts have been found, police said.

“If a murder suspect is dismembering a body, it’s to delay identification,” Guttierez said.

Officials said it appears that the woman was killed within the past few days, according to the station.

Detectives were later seen at a home in Tarzana, about 5 miles from where the remains were discovered. Police were responding to a report of a dead body inside the home, but no body was located, KABC reported.

Police said that the investigation was linked to the remains found in Encino, per the station.

The victim has not been identified yet and there are no reports of a missing woman, the station said. The torso did not have any identifying marks such as tattoos, and police have not yet determined the victim's approximate age.

Officials are seeking the public's help as the investigation continues.

“I would encourage anybody if they have any missing family member, a missing loved one or a [missing] co-worker, to contact LAPD,” Guttierez said.