Norwalk woman found dead in SUV in La Puente

LA PUENTE - Deputies responding to a minor car crash Sunday found a woman dead inside her SUV, authorities said.

The body of Angie Ruiz, 33 of Norwalk was discovered just after 8 a.m. in the 16000 block of East Workman Street, in front of Workman Elementary School, officials said.

It was not immediately clear Sunday what killed her, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Lillian Peck said in a written statement.

According to coroners officials, there were no apparent signs of trauma to the body.

Officials pronounced Ruiz dead after finding her slumped over inside a black Chevy Tahoe that was stopped against a support wire for a nearby power pole, Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Richard Baligad said.

It was unclear Sunday if she was in the drivers seat.

A nearby resident, who declined to give his name for fear of retaliation, said he called police early Sunday after noticing the SUV and someone inside.

Prior to seeing the SUV, he said he did not see or hear anything unusual in the area.

Detectives from the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau are investigating the case.