Decomposed body of gunshot victim identified

The decomposing body of a man found in a parked SUV near West Hollywood with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest has been identified as Steven John Simmons, 33, coroner’s officials said Thursday.

Simmons’ body was discovered Saturday inside the back of a Cadillac Escalade that had been parked in the sun for several days near Willoughby and North Genesee avenues in the Fairfax District.

Los Angeles police found the body after receiving reports of a foul odor coming from the vehicle.  Authorities said the remains were so deteriorated the body could not be immediately identified.

Though it has not been confirmed, coroners officials believe Simmons may have been from San Bernardino County. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

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-- Dan Weikel

Image: Approximate location of incident shown in purple, along with 31 other homicides within two miles. Credit: Los Angeles Times Homicide Report