Moving trucks are seen at the U-Haul center on W. 15th St. in Panama City, Fla., Jan. 5, 2024. U-Haul said Panama City had the 21st highest in-migration for U.S. cities outside of major metro areas in 2024. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald)
Lancaster, California – A disturbing discovery early Sunday morning has prompted a homicide investigation in Lancaster after Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies found a body inside a trash bin located in the rear cargo area of a U-Haul truck.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Shadow Park Inn on the 44000 block of Sierra Highway at approximately 1:49 a.m. following a report of a missing person, according to a department news release.
Upon arrival, deputies reviewed security footage from the motel. The video showed a U-Haul truck leaving the property shortly before authorities arrived. Deputies located the truck a short distance away on Beech Avenue.
“When they approached the U-Haul truck, they looked in a large trash bin in the rear cargo area of the truck and observed a deceased individual,” the release stated.
Officials have not released the identity of the victim and have not confirmed whether the discovery is connected to the original missing person report. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.
Homicide detectives say the investigation is in its early stages, and it remains unclear whether foul play is suspected. Several people found at both the motel and the nearby residence where the truck was discovered were detained for questioning, though no arrests have been announced.
Authorities have not disclosed how many individuals were detained or whether they are believed to be involved in the death. The manager of the Shadow Park Inn could not be reached for comment.
The Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information about the case to contact its Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits further details on the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding this troubling case.
