UPDATED: Man found slain along Rio Hondo in El Monte

EL MONTE — A dead man found in the Rio Hondo wash Saturday afternoon showed signs of having been bludgeoned and possibly stabbed, authorities said Sunday.
The name of the man was not released pending notification of his family, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Lt. Larry Dietz said. He described as being in his 50s.
Passers-by first notified officials about 3:55 p.m. after making the grisly discovery along the Rio Hondo near Pioneer Park in the 3500 block of Santa Anita Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
The dead man had suffered, “blunt force trauma and possible stab wounds,” according to the statement. Sheriff’s officials initially described the incident as a stabbing death.
Coroner’s documents indicated it was found lying against an angled cement embankment leading down into the wash, McKibben said.
It was unclear Sunday exactly how long he had been there, officials said, though the body did not show significant signs of decomposition.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau were helping El Monte police with the investigation. Police deferred all comments to the sheriff’s investigators.
Handling detectives could not be reached for comment Sunday.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email