The discovery of a human skull off a hiking trail in Griffith Park has prompted an investigation by Los Angeles police and the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, authorities said Tuesday.
The skull was discovered about 5:25 p.m. Monday, but police officials said it is only the beginning of the investigation about how the remains got there and whether it was the result of a homicide, an accident or a natural death.
"It does not appear to have been from a person who was recently deceased," said LAPD Capt. Bill Murphy. "Because the death is undetermined, the coroner’s office will be the lead agency and science will play a key role in determining the cause of death."
The skull was found off a steep trail that is generally used by experienced hikers because of its difficulty.
— Andrew Blankstein
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