Meredith Ruth Dickson, 24

Meredith Ruth Dickson, a 24-year-old white woman, was found dead Wednesday, Oct. 19, in the 11600 block of Valerio Street in Sun Valley, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

A neighbor of Dickson’s noticed that the woman and her boyfriend hadn’t been seen recently and spotted an excess of flies inside the second-story apartment so he called the building manager, who called police, said Los Angeles Police Det. Dave Peteque.

Police went inside the apartment and found Dickson, who had been shot to death, and her boyfriend, a 25-year-old man, on the bed with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Dickson was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:15 p.m., according to coroner’s records, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Police believe that the man shot Dickson, then shot himself. The two were inside the apartment for several weeks before they were discovered Peteque said.

The couple were college sweethearts who moved out to Los Angeles about three years ago, police said. Dickson worked at an office job, and the man was unemployed.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peteque at (818) 374-1934. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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