Head found in Hollywood, slain man believed to be Armenian American

PanARMENIAN.Net - Los Angeles police detectives are investigating the slaying of a man believed to be an Armenian American whose head was discovered Tuesday, Jan 17, afternoon by two dogs off a hiking trail below the Hollywood sign, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Two women were hiking with nine dogs in the rugged hills near the 3200 block of Canyon Drive when two of the dogs found a plastic bag in the brush containing the head, according to law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation but who asked not to be identified because the probe was still unfolding.

The sources said the head was believed to be that of an Armenian American male in his 40s with salt-and-pepper hair. Police also believe that the slaying had occurred recently because of the condition of the remains.

Sources said investigators are trying to determine whether the area contains additional body parts. Neither the circumstances nor the cause of death were immediately known.

The case is being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division.

In addition to combing the area for evidence, investigators will seek help from the Los Angeles County coroner to identify the victim through dental records.