Police Find Woman's Body in Car Trunk [ID:DENISE FIGUEREA]

[CSAFD]

Police Find Woman's Body in Car Trunk
Mar. 7, 2009

LOS ANGELES -- A woman's body was found Saturday in the trunk of a car in Valley Village after police followed up on a tip faxed to KTLA.

KTLA received a fax early Saturday indicating that a homicide was committed Feb. 28 in the area and detailing where the body could be found. The fax also named two suspects in the case.

It was not immediately clear who sent the fax. It was signed simply, "Someone trying to help."

Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.

Officers responded to the 11700 block of Hortense Street, near Colfax Avenue, according to Officer April Harding of the Los Angeles Police Department.

When officers got to the area, they found the body of a 28-year-old female in the trunk of Nissan Altima, Harding said. The vehicle was registered to the woman, according to police.

The victim's name and the cause of death were not being released, pending notification of her next of kin.

No other details were immediately available

http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?KTLA-Exclusive-Police-Find-Womans-Body-i=1&blockID=233289&feedID=1198

[AmyE]

Police Find Woman's Body in Car Trunk
Mar. 7, 2009

LOS ANGELES -- A woman's body was found Saturday in the trunk of a car in Valley Village after police followed up on a tip faxed to KTLA.

KTLA received a fax early Saturday indicating that a homicide was committed Feb. 28 in the area and detailing where the body could be found. The fax also named two suspects in the case.

It was not immediately clear who sent the fax. It was signed simply, "Someone trying to help."

Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.

Officers responded to the 11700 block of Hortense Street, near Colfax Avenue, according to Officer April Harding of the Los Angeles Police Department.

When officers got to the area, they found the body of a 28-year-old female in the trunk of Nissan Altima, Harding said. The vehicle was registered to the woman, according to police.

The victim's name and the cause of death were not being released, pending notification of her next of kin.

No other details were immediately available

http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?KTLA-Exclusive-Police-Find-Womans-Body-i=1&blockID=233289&feedID=1198

Wow. Praying for this woman's family. Atleast someone was trying to help.

[CSAFD]

KTLA Exclusive: Police Find Woman's Body in Car Trunk
Mar. 8, 2009

LOS ANGELES -- A woman's body was found Saturday in the trunk of a car in Valley Village after police followed up on a tip faxed to KTLA.

KTLA received a fax early Saturday indicating that a homicide was committed Feb. 28 in the area and detailing where the body could be found. The fax said the body was in a black trash bag in the car.

The sender also named named two suspects in the case.

It was not immediately clear who sent the fax. It was signed simply "someone trying to help."

Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.

Officers responded to the 11700 block of Hortense Street, near Colfax Avenue, at around 1:50 p.m., according to Officer April Harding of the Los Angeles Police Department.

When officers got to the area, they found the body of a female in her 20s in the trunk of Nissan Altima, Harding said. The vehicle was registered to the woman, according to police.

The victim's name was included in the fax, but it and the cause of death were not being released by police.

Saturday evening, the family of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa came forward, saying that the body was hers. Police have not confirmed this detail.

Speaking to the media, Lt. Alan Hamilton said, "Something occurred inside the vehicle," but decline to give details. He said the car was being taken to a secure facility where authorities will conduct a thorough scientific investigation of it.

While Hamilton was speaking, a man claiming to be Figueroa's uncle showed up, alleging police knew Denise Figueroa had been murdered last week and didn't investigate further.

Figueroa's family said they believe the person responsible for her murder may be in jail on unrelated charges, and now they want police to quickly figure out who killed the female victim.

http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?KTLA-Exclusive-Police-Find-Womans-Body-i=1&blockID=233289&feedID=1198

[Nut44x4]

CONFIRMED
LOS ANGELES -- Authorities have identified a woman found dead in the trunk of her car after an anonymous tip sent by fax led police to her body.

County coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie says an autopsy on 22-year-old Denise Figueroa of Los Angeles will likely happen on Monday.

Figueroa's body was discovered Saturday in a Valley Village neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley soon after being notified by KTLA-TV employees about the faxed letter.

The sender described himself or herself only as "someone trying to help."

The sender wrote that Figueroa was killed Feb. 28 and her body was in a trash bag in a car. The letter also named a suspect in the killing and another man who helped the suspect clean the car.
http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/1245997.html

[annalyzer]

http://www.examiner.com/a-1892307~LA_woman_missing_for_9_days_before_cops_fo und_body.html

LA woman missing for 9 days before cops found body

Mar 8, 2009 1:12 PM (18 mins ago) AP

LOS ANGELES (Map, News) - A woman whose body was found in the trunk of her car had been missing for more than a week, police said Sunday.

Relatives reported 22-year-old Denise Figueroa of Los Angeles missing on Feb. 28, said police Officer Sam Park.

Her body was found Saturday afternoon after an anonymous letter was faxed to KTLA-TV, telling authorities where to look.

Daniel Sanchez, Figueroa's uncle, told KABC-TV late Saturday that the person his niece had last been seen with called her father, sounding desperate and saying "I didn't mean to hurt her. I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

The fax, addressed "To whom it may concern" and signed "someone trying to help," named two suspects, saying one man killed Figueroa and the other helped clean up the vehicle her body was placed in. The fax also gave an address in the San Fernando Valley where the car was parked.

One of the men named in the fax was arrested on March 3 on an unrelated charge and is jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail.

County coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said an autopsy likely be performed on Monday to determine how Figueroa died.

[CSAFD]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/Maverick1862/murder%20victims/DeniseFigueroa.jpg
UPDATE from KTLA 11:00 am
Exclusive: Tip Faxed to KTLA Leads Police to Woman's Body
Mar. 8, 2009

VALLEY VILLAGE -- An autopsy will be performed Sunday on the body of a woman found murdered in the trunk of her car. The body was found Saturday afternoon when police followed up on a tip faxed to KTLA.

The body of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa of North Hills was found in the trunk of a black Nissan Altima in the 11700 block of Hortense Street shortly before 2:00 p.m. The vehicle was registered to the woman, according to police.

At 1:16 p.m. Saturday, KTLA received a fax addressed "To whom it may concern" from "someone trying to help." The fax included the names of two possible suspects -- Christopher Bullock and Adele Chapel.

The fax stated that a homicide had been committed Feb. 28 and described an area where the car and the body could be found. The fax said the body was in a black trash bag in the trunk of the car.

Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.

Saturday evening, the family of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa came forward, saying that the body was hers.

Speaking to the media, Lt. Alan Hamilton said, "Something occurred inside the vehicle," but declined to give details. He said the car was being taken to a secure facility where authorities will conduct a thorough investigation of it.

While Hamilton was speaking, a man claiming to be Figueroa's uncle showed up, alleging police knew Denise Figueroa had been murdered last week and didn't investigate further.

The man said police were not helpful when told about the woman's disappearance on Monday. He said he spoke to someone believed to be the last person to see Figueroa alive, and that person told him he was sorry he had hurt Figueroa. The uncle said he relayed that information to police, but officers did not want to hear it.

Figueroa's family said they believe the person responsible for her murder may be in jail on unrelated charges, and now they want police to quickly figure out who killed Denise.

http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?Exclusive-Tip-Faxed-to-KTLA-Leads-Police=1&blockID=233289&feedID=1198

[CSAFD]

sorry if it seems im posting the same article, they just keep adding to it a little @ a time.

[Roamer]

I hope they listen to the family and get the person responsible.

[CSAFD]

I hope they listen to the family and get the person responsible.

me too, she was a very pretty young lady, im looking for a color photo, but cant find it yet

[CSAFD]

Woman Found in Trunk Missing More Than a Week
Mar. 9, 2009

VALLEY VILLAGE -- An autopsy will be performed Sunday on the body of a woman found murdered in the trunk of her car, and police are asking the public's help in finding the killer or killers.

The body of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa of North Hills was found Saturday afternoon in the trunk of a black Nissan Altima after police followed up on a tip faxed to KTLA.

The Altima was parking in the 11700 block of Hortense Street; the victim's body was found inside the car shortly before 2:00 p.m. The vehicle was registered to the victim, according to police.

At 1:16 p.m. Saturday, KTLA received a fax addressed "To whom it may concern" from "someone trying to help." The fax included the names of two possible suspects -- Christopher Bullock and Adele Chapel.

The fax stated that a homicide had been committed February 28 and described an area where the car and the body could be found. The fax said the body was in a black trash bag in the trunk of the car.

Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.

Saturday evening, the family of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa came forward, saying that the body was hers. Figueroa apparently left a relative's residence on February 28 and didn't return as planned. The family later reported her missing.

Speaking to the media, Lt. Alan Hamilton said, "Something occurred inside the vehicle," but declined to give details. He said the car was being taken to a secure facility where authorities will conduct a thorough investigation of it.

While Hamilton was speaking, a man claiming to be Figueroa's uncle showed up, alleging police knew Denise Figueroa had been murdered last week and didn't investigate further.

The man said police were not helpful when told about the woman's disappearance on Monday. He said he spoke to someone believed to be the last person to see Figueroa alive, and that person told him he was sorry he had hurt Figueroa. The uncle said he relayed that information to police, but officers did not want to hear it.

Figueroa's family said they believe the person responsible for her murder may be in jail on unrelated charges, and now they want police to quickly figure out who killed Denise.

According to broadcast reports, Chapel, a man, is in a Los Angeles jail.

http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?KTLA-Exclusive-Woman-Found-in-Trunk-Miss=1&blockID=233289&feedID=1198

[CSAFD]

Woman Found in Trunk Missing More Than a Week
Mar. 9, 2009

VALLEY VILLAGE -- An autopsy will be performed Sunday on the body of a woman found murdered in the trunk of her car, and police are asking the public's help in finding the killer or killers.

The body of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa of North Hills was found Saturday afternoon in the trunk of a black Nissan Altima after police followed up on a tip faxed to KTLA.

The Altima was parking in the 11700 block of Hortense Street; the victim's body was found inside the car shortly before 2:00 p.m. The vehicle was registered to the victim, according to police.

At 1:16 p.m. Saturday, KTLA received a fax addressed "To whom it may concern" from "someone trying to help." The fax included the names of two possible suspects -- Christopher Bullock and Adele Chapel.

The fax stated that a homicide had been committed February 28 and described an area where the car and the body could be found. The fax said the body was in a black trash bag in the trunk of the car.

Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.

Saturday evening, the family of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa came forward, saying that the body was hers. Figueroa apparently left a relative's residence on February 28 and didn't return as planned. The family later reported her missing.

Speaking to the media, Lt. Alan Hamilton said, "Something occurred inside the vehicle," but declined to give details. He said the car was being taken to a secure facility where authorities will conduct a thorough investigation of it.

While Hamilton was speaking, a man claiming to be Figueroa's uncle showed up, alleging police knew Denise Figueroa had been murdered last week and didn't investigate further.

The man said police were not helpful when told about the woman's disappearance on Monday. He said he spoke to someone believed to be the last person to see Figueroa alive, and that person told him he was sorry he had hurt Figueroa. The uncle said he relayed that information to police, but officers did not want to hear it.

Figueroa's family said they believe the person responsible for her murder may be in jail on unrelated charges, and now they want police to quickly figure out who killed Denise.

According to broadcast reports, Chapel, a man, is in a Los Angeles jail.

http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?KTLA-Exclusive-Woman-Found-in-Trunk-Miss=1&blockID=233289&feedID=1198

[CSAFD]

Autopsy Expected on Woman Found Dead in Trunk
Mar. 9, 2009

VALLEY VILLAGE -- An autopsy is pending on the body of a woman found murdered in the trunk of her car, and police are asking the public's help in finding the killer or killers.

The body of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa of North Hills was found shortly before 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the trunk of a black Nissan Altima after police followed up on a tip faxed to KTLA.

The Altima, which was registered to the victim, was parked in the 11700 block of Hortense Street, police said.

At 1:16 p.m. Saturday, KTLA received a fax addressed "To whom it may concern" from "someone trying to help." The fax included the names of two possible suspects -- Christopher Bullock and Adele Chapel.

The fax stated that a homicide had been committed February 28 and described an area where the car and the body could be found. The fax said the body was in a black trash bag in the trunk of the car.

Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.

Saturday evening, the family of 22-year-old Denise Figueroa came forward, saying that the body was hers. Figueroa apparently left a relative's residence on February 28 and didn't return as planned. The family later reported her missing.

Speaking to the media, Lt. Alan Hamilton said, "Something occurred inside the vehicle," but declined to give details. He said the car was being taken to a secure facility where authorities will conduct a thorough investigation of it.

While Hamilton was speaking, a man claiming to be Figueroa's uncle showed up, alleging police knew Denise Figueroa had been murdered last week and didn't investigate further.

The man said police were not helpful when told about the woman's disappearance on Monday. He said he spoke to someone believed to be the last person to see Figueroa alive, and that person told him he was sorry he had hurt Figueroa. The uncle said he relayed that information to police, but officers did not want to hear it.

Figueroa's family said they believe the person responsible for her murder may be in jail on unrelated charges, and now they want police to quickly figure out who killed Denise.

According to broadcast reports, Chapel, a man, is in a Los Angeles jail.

http://www.ktla.com/landing_mostinteresting/?Autopsy-Expected-on-Woman-Found-Dead-in-=1&blockID=233289&feedID=1080

[Faith]

Man charged with murdering LA woman found in trunk
The Associated Press
Posted: 03/09/2009 07:54:10 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES—A man has been charged with the murder of a Los Angeles woman whose body was found in the trunk of her car.

Police say the Los Angeles County district attorney's office filed murder charges Monday against Adel Chapel. The Santa Monica man is suspected of murdering 22-year-old Denise Figueroa shortly after she was reported missing late last month.

Police say the 24-year-old Chapel was already in custody on suspicion of carjacking and is under investigation for a series of violent crimes that occurred in the San Fernando Valley. Police say he had been in a relationship with Figueroa.

Figueroa's body was found Saturday afternoon after an anonymous letter was faxed to KTLA-TV, telling authorities where to look.


http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11874763

[Faith]

COURT
Next Court Code: M100 Next Court Date: 03/10/2009
Next Court Time: 0830 Next Court Case: LA061451RM

Court Name: VAN NUYS MUNI CT DIV 100
Court Address: 14400 ERWIN STREET MALL Court City: VAN NUYSUPT

[sarahhod]

Man Charged in Murder of Woman Found Dead in Trunk


http://www.ktla.com/common/medialib/image/177082.jpg (http://www.ktla.com/common/medialib/image/177082.jpg)
Denise Figueroa

KTLA News
March 10, 2009

VALLEY VILLAGE -- A man has been charged with murder in the death of 22- year old Denise Figueroa, whose body was found in the trunk of her car by police following up on a tip faxed to KTLA.
The anonymous fax included the names of two possible suspects -- Christopher Bullock and Adele Chapel.
Today, police charged Chapel, a 24 year old Santa Monica resident, in Figueroa's murder.
Police say Figueroa and Chapel had a relationship, but did not elaborate.
Chapel is currently in LAPD custody for a carjacking that occurred in West Los Angeles in late February.
He was arrested by detectives on March 3, 2009 in the City of Santa Monica.
Chapel is also under investigation for a series of violent crimes throughout the San Fernando Valley that have occurred within the last few weeks.
Figueroa was found shortly before 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the trunk of her black Nissan Altima in the 11700 block of Hortense Street, police said.
Police went to the address after being contacted by KTLA that the newsroom had received a fax addressed "To whom it may concern" from "someone trying to help."
The fax stated that a homicide had been committed February 28 and described an area where the car and the body could be found (see below for full text of the fax):
The fax said the body was in a black trash bag in the trunk of the car.
Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.
Figueroa apparently left a relative's residence on February 28 and didn't return as planned.
The family later reported her missing.
Speaking to the media, Lt. Alan Hamilton said, "Something occurred inside the vehicle," but declined to give details.
He said the car was being taken to a secure facility where authorities will conduct a thorough investigation of it.
Police say the second man named in the fax, Christopher Bullock, has been questioned and released.
The fax read:
"To Whom it May Concern:
Adel Chapel is believed to have killed Denise Figueroa on Feb. 28. She should be reported missing by her family. The vehicle was cleaned up by Adel Chapel and his friend Christopher Bullock, her body is in the trunk of her car is (SIC) a black trash bag. Which should be located in about 1.2-2 square mile radius of 11911 Magnolia Blvd., Apt. 7, Valley Village, CA 91607
Someone trying to help"

http://www.ktla.com/landing_news/?Man-Charged-in-Murder-of-Woman-Found-Dea=1&blockID=233289&feedID=171

Video at Link:-

[Amusedtdth]

I'm so glad to see that there are still people out there that care, even if they wish to remain unknown. This gives the family back their loved one that might not have been found otherwise.

My deepest condolances to Denises' family and friends.

[annalyzer]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11878330

Boyfriend arrested in slaying of North Hills woman

By Daily News wire services
Posted: 03/10/2009 07:56:28 AM PDT
Updated: 03/10/2009 07:57:19 AM PDT

A 24-year-old Santa Monica man is under arrest today in slaying of a North Hills woman, whose body was found last weekend in the trunk of her car in Valley Village.

Adel Tabrizi Chapel, 24, was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of murdering Denise Figueroa, 22, with whom he had a relationship, officials said.

Chapel was already in custody on suspicion of carjacking, with this arraignment scheduled for today, officials said. He also is under investigation for a series of violent crimes throughout the San Fernando Valley over the last several weeks, police said.

Police reported that Chapel had been involved with Figueroa, who had left a relative's home on Feb. 28, and was reported missing when she did not return as expected.

Officers found her body in the trunk of a black Nissan Altima in the 11700 block of Hortense Street, shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday after being notified by KTLA-TV, which had received a fax from "someone trying to help."

The fax said the slaying occurred on Feb. 28 and included the names of Chapel and another possible suspect, police said.

Police are seeking the person who sent the fax in an effort to learn more about the circumstances of Figueroa's death.

[CSAFD]

D.A.'s Office: Woman in Trunk Was Murdered With Hammer
Mar. 11, 2009

VALLEY VILLAGE -- A 24-year-old man has been arraigned on murder charges in the death of his girlfriend 22-year-old Denise Figueroa.

Figueroa was bludgeoned to death with a hammer, District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Jane Robison said.

An anonymous fax sent to KTLA's newsroom included the names of two possible suspects -- Christopher Bullock and Adele Chapel.

Chapel, of Santa Monica, was arrested Monday in Figueroa's murder.

He's charged with one count of murder, with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, Robison said.

Chapel is currently in LAPD custody for a carjacking that occurred in West Los Angeles in late February.

He was arrested by detectives on March 3, 2009 in the City of Santa Monica.

Chapel remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail pending his next court appearance March 26 in Figueroa's murder.

He is also under investigation for a series of violent crimes throughout the San Fernando Valley that have occurred within the last few weeks.

Figueroa was found shortly before 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the trunk of her black Nissan Altima in the 11700 block of Hortense Street, police said.

Police went to the address after being contacted by KTLA that the newsroom had received a fax addressed "To whom it may concern" from "someone trying to help."

The fax stated that a homicide had been committed February 28 and described an area where the car and the body could be found (see below for full text of the fax):

The fax said the body was in a black trash bag in the trunk of the car.

Investigators were trying to track down the sender and the people named as suspects in the fax.

Figueroa apparently left a relative's residence on February 28 and didn't return as planned.

The family later reported her missing.

Speaking to the media, Lt. Alan Hamilton said, "Something occurred inside the vehicle," but declined to give details.

He said the car was being taken to a secure facility where authorities will conduct a thorough investigation of it.

Police say the second man named in the fax, Christopher Bullock, has been questioned and released. They're looking for the person who sent the fax in an effort to learn more about the circumstances of Figueroa's death.

The fax read:

"To Whom it May Concern:

Adel Chapel is believed to have killed Denise Figueroa on Feb. 28. She should be reported missing by her family. The vehicle was cleaned up by Adel Chapel and his friend Christopher Bullock, her body is in the trunk of her car is (SIC) a black trash bag. Which should be located in about 1.2-2 square mile radius of 11911 Magnolia Blvd., Apt. 7, Valley Village, CA 91607

Someone trying to help"

-----------

You can donate to the: The Denise Figueroa Memorial Fund by contacting Wells Fargo or Paypal under that Fund name.


http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?KTLA-Exclusive-Police-Find-Womans-Body-i=1&blockID=233289&feedID=1198

[CSAFD]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/Maverick1862/murder%20victims/DeniseFigueroa-1.jpg