Man's body discovered inside minivan in Highland Park

Police are investigating after a man’s body was discovered inside a minivan in Highland Park Wednesday.

Los Angeles police responded to the van near El Paso Drive and North Avenue 50 at around 10:30 a.m. A bystander near the vehicle had called the police after noticing the body inside.

Homicide investigators surrounded the tan-colored Kia minivan that was parked outside of a liquor store. Neighbors told KTLA the man was named Enrique and was known to local residents.

He reportedly lived in his van and would park by the liquor store every day. On Wednesday morning, a group that gathered outside the shop for coffee noticed Enrique didn’t show up. A friend called his cell phone and heard the ringtone from inside the van. That’s when the body was discovered.

Neighbors said Enrique earned money doing handiwork around town. He was reportedly found with cuts and injuries on his body, however, police have not confirmed those details.

Another neighbor said that almost every day, she saw him park his car, get out and sit in a chair that was set up under the shade outside her home. She said he was friendly and she always offered him food and water which he accepted.

Earlier this week, she said Enrique mentioned someone had tried to attack him.

The condition the man’s body was found in remains unclear. Details on his identity or a possible cause of death were not released by authorities.

Detectives were canvassing the neighborhood for any surveillance footage or witnesses who may have information on the man’s death. Both the body and the vehicle were later removed for investigation.

This developing story will be updated.