FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2017
DR #17-11816
CMPD HAS ASSUMED CHP INVESTIGATION OF BODY FOUND IN BURNING CAR ON EMBANKMENT OF CALIFORNIA STATE ROUTE 55
COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) has assumed a California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigation of a body that was found in a burning vehicle on an embankment of the California State Route 55.
On Sept. 5, 2017, at approximately 12:15 a.m., CHP responded to a burning 1995 white Honda Civic sedan on the embankment located off the southbound California State Route 55 in proximity to the California State Route 73 connector. A male was found inside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The body was transferred to the Orange County Coroner for an autopsy and a toxicology report.
On Sept. 6, 2017, CMPD was contacted by the CHP and Orange County Coroner regarding the investigation into the deceased person. The investigation indicated that the deceased person had not sustained any injuries related to a traffic collision. With unknown and suspicious circumstances surrounding the cause of death and car fire, CMPD has assumed responsibility of the investigation. This is a routine practice under the circumstances.
Late on Sept. 13, 2017, the body was identified through DNA. The decedent’s name will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact CMPD Detective Jason Chamness at (714) 754-5197.
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