LA authorities identify man whose body was found inside stolen U-Haul truck

LOS ANGELES - Authorities sought the public's help with an investigation after a man's body was found wrapped tightly under a tarp inside a stolen U-Haul truck in the Mid-City Heights area of Los Angeles. 

On Friday, the LA County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as 50-year-old Henry Jernigan.

Officials with the Los Angeles Police Department said Jernigan's body was discovered around 10:25 a.m. Thursday near the 2400 block of Redondo Boulevard. Wilshire Division officers responded to the scene after residents notified a moving company that one of their vehicles had been abandoned, was parked in the neighborhood and was likely going to cause traffic. 

When the employee opened the back cargo space, the employee made a grim discovery and found the tarp wrapped around what appeared to be human remains accompanied by a strong smell.  He then contacted the authorities.

"When they arrived they found what might be human remains in the back of the van," said LAPD Lt. Robert Peters. "The owners of the van, a rental company, were recovering the van which was reported stolen earlier this month and he found something in the back that might be human remains."

 The investigation also revealed the U-Haul was reported stolen about a week ago in South LA.  

When officers arrived to the scene, they confirmed the employee had in fact discovered a dead body. Homicide detectives later confirmed Jernigan suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the head. 

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The investigation is ongoing. Those with information are asked to contact the LAPD.