LOS ANGELES, CA — The discovery of a woman’s body near a busy freeway investigation site has prompted a major crimes probe, with authorities working to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 33-year-old Evelin Morales Garcia, whose body was found Sunday morning in a secured Caltrans work zone along the westbound 10 Freeway near La Brea Avenue.
California Highway Patrol officers responded to the scene just before 9 a.m. after Caltrans workers reported finding Garcia’s remains in an area typically restricted to authorized personnel. The location—an Accident Investigation Site used for crash reconstructions—raises significant questions about how Garcia accessed the secured zone and whether foul play was involved. Investigators are treating the death as suspicious until autopsy results provide clarity.
The Major Crimes Unit has launched a comprehensive investigation, reviewing freeway surveillance cameras and electronic toll records that might trace Garcia’s final movements. “This was not a typical freeway fatality,” said CHP Captain David Martinez. “The victim being found in a controlled area behind barriers makes this case particularly concerning.” Forensic teams spent hours processing the scene for evidence, though officials have not disclosed whether any personal belongings were recovered with the body.
Garcia’s identity has sparked confusion, as authorities have been unable to confirm her city of residence or last known address. Community advocates are circulating her photo through homeless outreach networks, as the location has been frequented by unhoused individuals seeking shelter beneath the overpass. The medical examiner’s office anticipates toxicology results could take 6-8 weeks, leaving investigators to pursue other leads in the interim.
The bizarre case has drawn parallels to other mysterious freeway deaths in Southern California, where at least three similar incidents remain unsolved since 2022. CHP is coordinating with LAPD’s missing persons unit to determine if Garcia was reported missing prior to the discovery.
Authorities urge anyone who may have seen Garcia in the days before her death or has information about the case to contact CHP’s Southern Division Special Services at 323-644-9550. As the investigation continues, community members have placed a makeshift memorial near the discovery site, honoring a life cut short under mysterious circumstances.
