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Hervey Coronado Medellin, 66

Hervey Medellin, identified as a 66-year-old white man, was found dead Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the 3200 block of Canyon Drive in the Hollywood Hills, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Two women were hiking in the rugged Hollywood Hills when one of the dogs they were walking found a plastic bag in the brush containing a human head, according to law enforcement sources.

The next day, with the help of specially trained cadaver dogs, police found two hands and two feet. Authorities believe the victim was killed within a day or two of the discovery of the head.

Although authorities did not initially know whose body parts they were, they were able to identify Hervey Medellin several days later. He was a retired Mexicana Airlines employee.

Friends have said Medellin hiked in Griffith Park, near the area where his body parts were discovered.

A friend told The Times that Medellin left the airline some time ago. The friend said she went to his apartment Friday after TV reports of the case Thursday but could not find him. She spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Medellin also once owned a Los Feliz condominium with another person, according to a resident who currently owns the property.

Medellin lived with another person in a third-floor apartment on DeLongpre Avenue -- not far from the hiking trail where his body parts were found.

Andrew Hill, who lives on the second floor of the building, told The Times he heard a lot of commotion on the floor above him one night about 3 a.m. about three weeks ago. He said he heard furniture moving as well as screaming and yelling. He said he spoke to police detectives Thursday and they asked him when the garbage was taken out.

On Thursday evening, police served a search warrant in the complex. They towed a silver Honda from the building about 7 p.m.

Authorities called off the search for additional body parts and reopened the Bronson Canyon area of Griffith Park on Friday morning. Detectives have not made any arrests.

Anyone with details about the death of Hervey Medellin is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 527-3247. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

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