Steven John Simmons, 33

June 9, 2012

Steven John Simmons, a 33-year-old white man, was found dead Saturday, June 9, near Willoughby Avenue and North Genesee Avenue in the Fairfax district, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

[Editor's note: An earlier version of this post, based on information from the coroner's office, identified the victim as John Doe #105.]

Los Angeles police found Doe's body after receiving reports of a foul odor coming from a vehicle parked near Willoughby and North Genesee avenues, said Sgt. Frank Preciado of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Authorities say the body found in a Cadillac Escalade probably had been in the vehicle for several days and was so decomposed that it was unidentifiable. Coroner’s records show the victim had a gunshot wound to the chest.

KTLA’s David Begnaud also wrote in a tweet Tuesday: "Vehicle's owner: SUV had been 'rented out' " but added no additional details.

The SUV had been parked in the Fairfax district near West Hollywood since Thursday, said coroner's investigator Dana Bee.

Bee said decomposition of a body placed in a trunk under direct sunlight would occur quickly and could make a body that had been dead for two days look as though it had been decomposing for two weeks.

Bee said the incident was being investigated as a homicide.

Anyone with information about the death is asked to call West Bureau homicide detectives at (213) 382-9470. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

--Matt Stevens and Kate Mather

Share a memory or thought about Steven John Simmons

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

Nine reader comments

It seems to me you would think the police would call me at least once and ask couple questions since steven was my son and i didnt let him go live with his dad til middle of 8th grade. was told, which is rummer or heresay, but there was someone who posted on line they were going to be out of town for weekend and was a friend of steven simmons missing step brother. then was posted at later date they didnt go out of town, but awoke to someone in his house and he shot them in the chest but they got away. man was said to live in coasta mesa and made a 911 call to report it. some think it might of been my son, someone had to be withhim because cant see anyone being able to drive from coasta mesa to weho after being shot. but i think its something they should look into.

— candace simmons July 31, 2012 at 6:50 a.m.

Steven was my beloved son.he will be missed so much by us all.He will remain in our hearts for as long as we live. as his mother there are no words to express the deep pain and sorrow I know I will forever feel with the loss of my only son. Steven was a kind, caring, and loving person. He was private and very quiet. He had a full time job and with help from his dad and uncle he was starting to get his own wood shop going; after work and on the weekends. He was very talented and I know his shop would of been succesful. I am very proud of my son as is our entire family. Steven made mistakes as we all have. But Steven always took responsibility for his actions; without asking for help or complaining. Steven is loved by everyone who knew him and he will be dearly missed today, tomorow and always. He will forever be in our hearts. Rest in Peace my son in the arms of our Lord. I love you now and forever my son Love Mom

— candace kay simmons June 29, 2012 at 11:22 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Steven John Simmons, 33

Share a memory or thought about Steven John Simmons

Nine reader comments