Cesar Daniel Verdugo, 35

Cesar Verdugo, a 35-year-old Latino, was found dead Thursday, June 21, on La Tuna Canyon Road, northwest of the 210 Freeway in Tujunga, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

A fire was reported on La Tuna Canyon Road about 2:50 a.m., said Sgt. Jim Reid of the Los Angeles Police Department's Foothill Station.

“When they were extinguishing the fire, they discovered a body,” Reid said. The body was located on the side of the road.

Coroner's officials later identified the person as Cesar Verdugo.

A day after the incident , LAPD Lt. Scott Harrelson said the burning body appeared to have ignited the brush fire, but investigators were still trying to determine who or what set the man's body on fire.

The case is being investigated as a homicide, he said.

According to coroner's records, the incident was a possible body dump. The victim suffered unknown trauma.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 275-5273. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times