The body of a female found at Mt. Baldy earlier this month has been identified as Amparo Karina Velarde of Southeast Los Angeles.

The 38-year-old woman’s body was found clothed and covered in blankets on a west side turnout approximately 25 feet from Mt. Baldy Road on Tuesday, March 3. A US Forest Service employee driving along Mt. Baldy Road first located the woman and contacted Los Angeles County Sheriff’s San Dimas station at approximately 9:55 a.m.

Evidence found on the victim aided in identifying the mother of two, and her family was notified of her death on March 4. Services for Ms. Velarde are scheduled for later this week.

The investigation remains ongoing.

 “Ms. Velarde’s death is being investigated as a homicide,” Sgt. Bobby Gray told the COURIER. Based on their investigation, detectives said they have determined that the victim was killed within 10 hours of her body being discovered in a remote area of Mt. Baldy and suspect foul play.

Results of an autopsy conducted by the Los Angeles County Coroner have been placed on a security hold. Toxicology tests, which will reveal what substances were in Ms. Velarde’s body, if any, will not be available for six to eight weeks.

No further details are being released at this time.

If you have any information, contact Sgt. Luis Nunez or Sgt. Bobby Gray with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

—Angela Bailey

news@claremont-courier.com