Michelle Lozano, 17 [Updated]

May 2, 2011, 9:24 a.m.

Michelle Lozano, a 17-year-old Latina, was found dead Tuesday, April 26, near the southbound 5 Freeway at State Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue in Boyle Heights, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

A homeless person called police after finding Lozano's nude body in a broken-open container in the brush about 11:30 p.m. Monday, according to an official at the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollenbeck Station. Authorities pronounced the girl dead at the scene early Tuesday.

Investigators determined from evidence that Lozano had been wrapped in plastic bags and stuffed in the plastic container. Afterward, the container was dumped over a concrete barrier along the freeway. When it hit the ground, the container broke open and spilled Lozano’s body into the shrubs.

Police said there were no obvious signs of trauma. Coroner's officials said that a cause of death has been deferred and a final determination will not be available for at least six to eight weeks.

Lozano was a resident of Los Angeles and had a tattoo on each wrist, one reading "Love" and the other "Hate," officials said.

Anyone with information about her death is asked to contact Det. Douglas Kirkland at (323) 342-8953. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

[Update Jan. 12, 2012: The coroner's office said Lozano died from asphyxia by strangulation and her death was ruled a homicide.]

-- Tony Barboza and Paloma Esquivel

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39 reader comments

I've followed this case for along time. After studying as many details online as possible, it came to me that Lozano was killed or body found on Easter Sunday, and Bree'ana Guzman was killed or body found Day after Christmas. These of course are religious holidays.

A few possibilities entered my mind, but the one I like the most is maybe the killer was in the area possibly visiting a mother or grandmother during those holidays, and then left soon after.

Possibly there is a deeper meaning to these deaths looking like they were religious holiday related. We may never know.

My personal belief is that this person has killed many women and simply killed these two while he was in the area. I simply believe he is probably either in prison already or dead.

If I had all the time in the world and the resources, I would look at similar cases in any state and see if the killer is perhaps already behind bars.

I know some people have talked about a white van, but I'm a little psychic, and whenever I think of this case, I always see a burgundy colored car. Of course, I could be way off.

I wish I had the entire police files on this case. I would like to study every tiny detail.

It's hard to believe the body or bodies were placed in containers and that no carpet fibers were found. Obviously they were probably put into the trunk of a car or at least a backseat at the time of the abduction. My theory would be find the car, find the killer.

I wish I had the entire files. I really believe I could solve this case. I would start with the car, if any way possible at all. Then check to see if there are any videos of that car. One of the girls was abducted not far from a school. I don't know how long they keep their security tapes. Then I would check to see if anyone knows of anyone who was in the area temporarily with that type of car.

I would check for any other murders or unsolved cases that might include a description of that type of car. Has that car been impounded? Is there any DNA in it?

Everyone is looking for who. I believe they should be focused on what they were driving. There must be a carpet fiber, even if you have to go back to the ditch where they were found and get every single fiber out of it. It's been years, but carpet fibers from cars don't break up that fast. The material is made to last through years of wear and tear.

I have another theory, but I'd have to have the files. One article said the police were withholding ONE piece of evidence because I guess only the killer would know about it, but that one piece might just be the answer. Maybe the police just aren't seeing things the way someone else might.

— MysteryDetective April 3, 2017 at 1:49 a.m.

This goes out to an angel that once walked amongst us.. I didn't have the courage to attend your services neither would I have the strength to go to your funeral. It's been four years. Full of joy and full of tears. The only reason why I'm writing this is because Of the recent news update on my news feed on social media. I'm not one to update a status daily not weekly. I just sometimes think back when we were in Mr. Hunters classroom back in 7th grade watching "The Outsiders". We would always be passing notes to each other keeping our silly laughter, although you sat right in front of me. I miss those days. So young, young and beautiful. You'll always be remembered girly. When we would share our poetry to one another and decorate our front cover from our binders with pictures and lipgloss kisses. We were hella young. Do you remember PE class with Ms.Acevedo and when we would eat chili cheese fries from Cypress Best. Those were the days. I can't remember whether I also had you for Homeroom with Mr.Nakano whom may also Rest In Peace. I did hear about him passing too about a year or two.. Hows the gym look like in the clouds?! Man I miss you! Not that long ago I seen your little sister. She looks just like you girl!! I always greet her, like if your presence was still here. I also seen your older sis too Maria, she's doing well. You're an auntie now!!! (I'm sure you already knew that) Shelly, you always kept my laughter in class. Remember Mr.Twinkies class. (Mr.Taylor) Oh man were we trouble makers or atleast we thought we were. I do regret putting glue on a chair and a girl sitting on it:S I felt so awful. Regret it to this day. Like what was I thinking??! Trying to be cool I guess back in 2008. The golden days!!! The best class and culmination year ever!! We were the same height probably the few tallest ones too. I miss eating lunch together and taking it to class right after too. This is how I remember you. The reason why I didn't attend a single service event nor the candle lights which I did drive by the next day. I didn't want to go and cry with the rest of the girls. I didn't want it to turn into a reunion with friends.. Michelle Lozano, my dearest friend, This is how I chose to always remember you!!!!

Your dearest friend,
Edlin

— Wanda E. Oct. 24, 2015 at 12:43 a.m.

My condolences to family and friends. No matter how much time passes, it never gets easier to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Michelle's story hasn't been forgotten, nor has the death of Bree'Ana. Both deaths determined to have been committed by the same perpetrator. The link attached below was recently posted earlier this year, reminding the public that there is a reward for information leading to the deaths of each girl who passed.

Please share on all social media websites in order to get the stories circulated again. Everyone in the community can help in resurfacing their stories and plead with urgency that someone come forth with information.

http://ktla.com/2014/04/08/50k-rewards-to-be-offered-in-killings-of-2-women-found-near-l-a-freeways/

— Yvonne Aug. 8, 2014 at 9:12 a.m.

The Homicide Report

Michelle Lozano, 17 [Updated]

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