Homicide Report > Steven John Simmons, 33
Steven John Simmons, 33
Died June 9, 2012
Steven John Simmons, a 33-year-old white man, was found dead Saturday, June 9, near Willoughby Avenue and North Genesee Avenue in the Fairfax district, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
[Editor's note: An earlier version of this post, based on information from the coroner's office, identified the victim as John Doe #105.]
Los Angeles police found Doe's body after receiving reports of a foul odor coming from a vehicle parked near Willoughby and North Genesee avenues, said Sgt. Frank Preciado of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Authorities say the body found in a Cadillac Escalade probably had been in the vehicle for several days and was so decomposed that it was unidentifiable. Coroner’s records show the victim had a gunshot wound to the chest.
KTLA’s David Begnaud also wrote in a tweet Tuesday: "Vehicle's owner: SUV had been 'rented out' " but added no additional details.
The SUV had been parked in the Fairfax district near West Hollywood since Thursday, said coroner's investigator Dana Bee.
Bee said decomposition of a body placed in a trunk under direct sunlight would occur quickly and could make a body that had been dead for two days look as though it had been decomposing for two weeks.
Bee said the incident was being investigated as a homicide.
Anyone with information about the death is asked to call West Bureau homicide detectives at (213) 382-9470. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
—Matt Stevens and Kate Mather
- Age: 33
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Saturday
- Agency: LAPD West Bureau Homicide
- Race/Ethnicity: White
- Crime scene: Parked vehicle
Seven reader comments about Steven John Simmons
steven john simmons was my son. he was murdered and found in suv in hollywood. he did not deserve to die this tragic way. he was a very kind, caring and loving person. he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. he was loved by many. he was a very special person. they need to catch his killer soon put them in jail then sentenced to death.
June 27, 2012 at 8:18 p.m.
Steven Simmons is survived by his mom and step dad Candace Simmons and Richard Novison; his dad and step mom Steve and Diane Atkin; 4 sisters, Tanya, Natasha, Angela, Melissa; 2 step brothers Jason, and Jacob; 2 step sisters Jamie, and Jackie; 5 aunts, Angela, Michele, Kimberly, Paula, and Julie; Uncle Greg, aunt Dana; 1 nephew, Sage; 1 neice, Hannah; several cousins on both sides of the family.
June 29, 2012 at 10:58 p.m.
Steven was my beloved son.he will be missed so much by us all.He will remain in our hearts for as long as we live. as his mother there are no words to express the deep pain and sorrow I know I will forever feel with the loss of my only son. Steven was a kind, caring, and loving person. He was private and very quiet. He had a full time job and with help from his dad and uncle he was starting to get his own wood shop going; after work and on the weekends. He was very talented and I know his shop would of been succesful. I am very proud of my son as is our entire family. Steven made mistakes as we all have. But Steven always took responsibility for his actions; without asking for help or complaining. Steven is loved by everyone who knew him and he will be dearly missed today, tomorow and always. He will forever be in our hearts. Rest in Peace my son in the arms of our Lord. I love you now and forever my son Love Mom
June 29, 2012 at 11:22 p.m.
Candace
Im sorry for the loss of your son and I hope the person responsible for his murder is caught soon.
July 3, 2012 at 7:55 a.m.
thank-you so much "Hard working woman". I hope and pray they catch my son's killer every day. They did it once they could kill someone else just as easy. Steven had so much good going on in his life. I am so depressed and it is so hard staying focused on anything just so sad . Candace
July 17, 2012 at 4:20 p.m.
I feel for you Candace and your family. I know how it feels to suddenly loose a family member and to be left with all those questions. I hope the police are trully investigating this horrible crime and find the killer soon. Keep on going through your memories of Steven and stay in prayer. God Bless you all.
July 19, 2012 at 10:27 a.m.
It seems to me you would think the police would call me at least once and ask couple questions since steven was my son and i didnt let him go live with his dad til middle of 8th grade. was told, which is rummer or heresay, but there was someone who posted on line they were going to be out of town for weekend and was a friend of steven simmons missing step brother. then was posted at later date they didnt go out of town, but awoke to someone in his house and he shot them in the chest but they got away. man was said to live in coasta mesa and made a 911 call to report it. some think it might of been my son, someone had to be withhim because cant see anyone being able to drive from coasta mesa to weho after being shot. but i think its something they should look into.
July 31, 2012 at 6:50 a.m.
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