Missing woman found dead in SUV in casino parking lot

A murder investigation was continuing Monday after the body of a missing woman was found in the back of her SUV at a casino.

The 57-year-old victim’s family made the grim discovery around 9 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Hawaiian Gardens Casino. They had searched at several other locations before the casino, police said.

Investigators searched for clues in the victim’s red Toyota RAV4. Authorities said it appears the woman was killed somewhere else, and the vehicle was then driven to the casino lot and left there.

Police say the woman lived in West Covina with her husband and daughter. She worked as a nurse and was last seen leaving work Friday in Los Angeles, but she never made it home, KTLA-TV reported.

Investigators examined casino surveillance video to try to pinpoint the time the woman’s SUV was left there. Police also hope an autopsy  will uncover more clues about her death.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Division at (323) 890-5500.

ALSO:

Hiker rescued from forest after 26 hours in the cold

Gunman sought in deadly Hollywood nightclub shooting

Man arrested after police pursuit in allegedly stolen car

-- From a Times staff writer