Lake Mathews: Dead body found in trunk of car, investigators tracking down leads

A man was found dead in the trunk of car in the Lake Mathews area of Riverside County on Sunday Sept. 3 at about 5 p.m., it was reported today.

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Deputies responded to the area after receiving a call regarding a suspicious vehicle.

When officers arrived, they found the car had crashed into a tree.

Initially law enforcement thought the car was abandoned and were preparing to have the car towed, Sgt. Chris Torrenti stated in a sheriff’s press release.

Officers searched the area for the driver and eventually opened the trunk and found the dead body.

Officers from the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s Perris station and Central Homicide Unit arrived on scene and assumed the investigation.

The victim’s identification is being withheld pending the notification of his next of kin.

“This is an ongoing investigation and no further information will be released at this time,” Sgt. Torrenti explained.

Law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward if they have further details regarding this crime by contacting Investigator Del Dean at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Omar Rodriguez at 951-210-1000.