Tragedy unfolded in Mid-City Los Angeles after police confirmed the discovery of a man's body hidden under a tarp in the back of a rental moving vehicle. The investigation now seeks to uncover the events leading to the death of 50-year-old Black male, Henry Jernigan, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

LAPD News: NR24127jc/jl Murder Investigation: Body Found Under Tarp In Rental Moving Vehicle pic.twitter.com/fFGipXj6AW

— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) April 19, 2024

Authorities were alerted to the disturbing scene on April 18, when a call came in around 10:53 a.m. from local residents who noticed the rental truck abandoned and causing traffic disruption at the intersection of Apple Street and Redondo Boulevard. Following the call, an employee from the rental company arrived only to find the corpse wrapped and concealed beneath a tarp, promptly triggering a call to the police. "The call originated when local residents notified a moving vehicle rental company that one of their vehicles had been abandoned," as detailed by  LAPD PIO.

The Los Angeles Police Department's West Bureau Homicide detectives are now appealing to the public, urging anyone with information regarding the crime to step forward. The circumstances surrounding Jernigan’s death are unclear, and investigators are working diligently to piece together the last moments of his life. The case has been labeled a homicide, which was affirmed upon detectives’ arrival when they quickly deduced the wrapping of the body to signify foul play, according to an LAPD announcement.

As the investigation continues, detectives are to actively follow leads. They request the public's assistance in identifying any possible suspects. "Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact West Bureau Homicide detectives at (213) 382-9470," the LAPD implored. The call for justice grows while law enforcement officers encourage citizens to provide any details that could be crucial in solving this heinous act.