Woman Found Dead in South LA Homeless Encampment

Authorities investigating potential dog attack as cause of death

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A 36-year-old woman named Claudia Guerrero was found dead in a South Los Angeles homeless encampment early Thursday morning. Deputies responding to the scene found several dogs in the area, and authorities are investigating whether her injuries were caused by a potential dog attack or if they were inflicted after her death.

Why it matters

Homelessness and public safety are ongoing issues in Los Angeles, with concerns over the vulnerability of unhoused individuals and the need for more resources and support. This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by those living in homeless encampments and the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness.

The details

Guerrero's body was discovered late Wednesday night on 87th Street just off Vermont Avenue. A man reported her death, and deputies found her in a makeshift homeless encampment. Authorities noted that Guerrero had injuries, but they are waiting for the coroner to determine the exact cause of death, as there were several dogs in the area that could have potentially been involved.

  • Guerrero's body was found late Wednesday night.

The players

Claudia Guerrero

A 36-year-old woman found dead in a South Los Angeles homeless encampment.

LASD Lt. Steve Dejong

A lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department who is investigating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“She has injuries. We'll have to wait for the coroner to determine the nature of those injuries. There were several dogs on the property, so it could be anything from an assault to a potential dog bite.”

— LASD Lt. Steve Dejong, Lieutenant (CBS News Los Angeles)

What’s next

The coroner will determine the official cause of Guerrero's death, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will continue investigating the incident to determine if any criminal activity was involved.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for more resources and support for the homeless population in Los Angeles, as well as the importance of addressing public safety concerns in homeless encampments to prevent such devastating outcomes.