Corpse found in North Hollywood home

Police got a surprise when they went to a North Hollywood home this week: a decomposing corpse that may have been there for more than a year.

The doorways of the home, in the 6700 block of Vantage Avenue, were so filled with refuse and debris that Los Angeles Police Department officers could not get inside when they arrived Monday evening. Only after the Los Angeles Fire Department got there and helped remove a door were the officers able to search the home, with the consent of the man who lives there.

Police found the adult body inside. They declined to elaborate, saying they don't know its age or sex because it had decomposed for so long. Coroner’s officials said the body was “skeletony” and believe it had been there for “quite some time.” The home was found in “pack rat” condition, said Ed Winter, a spokesman with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

Authorities were tipped off by someone involved with the pending foreclosure of the home who was concerned about the welfare of the resident, said Lt. Alan Hamilton of the Los Angeles Police Department.

-- James Wagner

Photo: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[bootiecall]

A CORPSE IS A CORPSE, OF CORPSE, OF CORPSE!

[Doreen]

I went to grade school with Robert Hunt. I don't know how his and his mother's lives spiraled so badly out of control. I feel terrible about this news. I last saw Robert working at our local supermarket and he seemed lonely, but normal. I find it sad that so many of the neighbors have made such judgmental and unsympathetic statements about both Robert and his mother, Barbara, on the local news. I have a photo of my second grade class and Robert is sitting right behind me in it. I really feel sad for the little boy I knew so very many years ago. I hope he will get the help he needs and that his life improves.

[Brian Humphrey]

While this story highlights some of the more lugubrious aspects of our job (and there are many), the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department were pleased to treat the remains with profound dignity and respect - especially in consideration that such care and concern may have escaped the person in their final days.

May he or she rest in peace.

Though this situation remains under investigation, we remind local residents to call 9-1-1 whenever they suspect abuse that may cause injury or threaten lives. Los Angeles residents needing guidance or referral in dealing with non-emergency health and human service issues can call 2-1-1 toll free for assistance at any hour.

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department