Carmen Placencia, 44 [Updated]

Carmen Placencia, a 44-year-old Latina, was found dead Tuesday, June 29, on the eastbound 210 Freeway near the Monte Vista Avenue offramp in Claremont, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

[For the record: An earlier version of this post, which was based on the original report, incorrectly gave Placencia's race as Asian.]

According to preliminary information provided by the coroner's office, authorities received a call about 3:50 a.m. regarding grass on fire along the freeway. When officials arrived, they realized a body had been dumped at the location.

A coroner's office spokesman said Placencia was pronounced dead at the scene. She had been shot in the neck.

The Times is requesting additional information from investigators about the case and will post an update as soon as it becomes available.

[Updated July 15: Sheriff's homicide Det. Gary Sloan, who is handling the investigation, confirmed the incident was a body dump and that Placencia's body was on fire.

Pending the ongoing investigation, Sloan said he is unable to provide additional details about her killing.

Anyone with information about Carmen Placencia’s death is asked to contact Det. Sloan or Ken Perry at (323) 890-5500.]

-- Sarah Ardalani