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Homicide detectives responded to an unincorporated area near Pico Rivera on Sunday afternoon following the discovery of a woman’s body in a container that was inside a parked car, authorities said.

A woman's body was found in a car parked in the West Whittier-Los Nietos area on Nov. 29, 2015. (Credit: KTLA)
A woman’s body was found in a car parked in the West Whittier-Los Nietos area on Nov. 29, 2015. (Credit: KTLA)

Deputies initially went to the 8600 block of Bradwell Avenue, in West Whittier-Los Nietos, about 1:10 p.m. after a report of an abandoned vehicle, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“As they approached the vehicle, they could detect the smell of a strong odor indicative of some type of decomposition,” said sheriff’s Lt. Dave Coleman.

The woman, described as Hispanic and between the ages of 20 and 25, was found “entombed in a large container” that was in the car’s rear cargo area, the news release said.

The red 1991 Toyota Celica hatchback had been reported stolen, according to Coleman. It was unclear where the vehicle had been stolen from or when the report was made. Authorities had initially described it as a Corolla.

The cause of the woman’s death was under investigation. Her identity was expected to be determined by county coroner’s officials.

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who wish to provide information anonymously may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-8477, or texting the letters TIPLA plus a tip to CRIMES (274637), or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.