Marcos España, 45

Marcos España, a 45-year-old Latino, was found with blunt force trauma Tuesday, Jan. 23, near the northbound off-ramp to Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 7:30 a.m., España was discovered face down by a contractor clearing brush for the California Department of Transportation, according to police and coroner’s records.

España, who was found with blunt head trauma, was pronounced dead at 8:16 a.m. at the scene, according to coroner’s records.

It’s unclear whether España was staying in the area or just passing through, said Los Angeles Police Det. John Lamberti.

Police are looking for any witnesses to the incident.

España's sister, Helen Parker, 30, said her brother grew up in Westlake and is one of eight children. He was a pharmacy technician before he began living on the streets. España made sure to keep in touch with family — especially his mother — by using pay phones in the areas he frequented.

Parker said she remembered picking España up from the area where he was eventually killed. He said he had gotten into a disagreement with another person and was glad his family was around.

España sometimes told family that he was bullied on the streets, but tried to avoid making them worry, she said. Now, Parker wonders if her brother was killed because he was gay, or just because he was homeless.

When asked about his transient lifestyle, he once told his sister, "Just let me be a bird; let me be free."

Parker described her brother as a happy person who was “full of compassion. " She has visited the area of the crime, searching for clues.

“Nobody deserves to die like that, like they’re trash, like they’re nobody,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (213) 382-9470. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.