Los Angeles

Second Body Found in Montecito Heights Park ID'd by Friends

The second of two bodies found in a Montecito Heights park this week was identified by friends as Briana Gallegos.

Police said Gallegos' body was found next to 19-year-old Gabriela Calzada's remains along a walking path at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Wednesday afternoon.

Los Angeles County Coroner's officials on Thursday identified Calzada as one of the victims. Police have not officially identified Gallegos as the second victim because she was a minor.

Calzada's family said she had not been seen since Tuesday night while with Gallegos. Police said Calzada was reported missing around 9 p.m. Wednesday, hours after her body was found.

Los Angeles police Officer Aareon Jefferson said detectives have classified the deaths as homicides.

A woman walking her dog came upon the bodies, which were on the side of a hill, and called police, LAPD Officer Matthew Ludwig said Wednesday. They did not appear to have been there long, Ludwig said.

The women were found fully clothed about 300 yards from the street, and did not appear to have been sexually assaulted, according to LAPD.

The cause of death was under investigation.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for funeral expenses for Gallegos.

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