Woman found inside Sunland trash bin identified

Investigators are trying to solve a murder mystery in Sunland after a woman's body was discovered inside a trash can on Tuesday.

Authorities responded to the 8500 block of Wentworth Street, near the Tujunga Wash, around 10:30 a.m. after neighbors reported a foul smell coming from a trash bin on the street. Neighbors also mentioned that it was trash pickup day and the bin was not local to their area.

LAPD detectives at the scene opened the trash bin, which was securely shut, and discovered the body.

"It was sealed in an abnormal way, but we're not disclosing exactly how," said an LAPD homicide detective. 

Police said the body was inside a snowboarding bag and believe it may have been concealed for a few days.

"We don't have much information as far as the cause of death yet," said LAPD Detective Eduardo Serrano.

The area was blocked off and traffic was diverted during the investigation.  

No arrests have been announced and no weapons were located, officers said. 

Authorities said they believe the person was a woman between 30 and 40 years old. The body had undergone some decomposition, but there was no timeline for how long they believe she has been dead. 

On Friday, she was identified as 32-year-old Heather Haas by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

Anyone with more information is urged to contact LAPD's Homicide Division at (818) 374-9550.