Earlier this year, the La Mesa Police Department received a report of a body found behind a business in the 7900 block of El Cajon Boulevard, in the City of La Mesa.

The body, which appeared to be that of an adult female, had no identifying information on her person or belongings, and appeared to have been deceased for some time.

San Diego County Medical Examiner Investigators responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. Since there was no identifying information at the scene, the San Diego Medical Examiner has been working to identify the decedent since that time. Her death was handled as a suspected fentanyl-related death.

This initial report was taken by the La Mesa Police Department on March 13, 2022. This past week, the Medical Examiner’s Office was able to identify the female and Nov. 11, the La Mesa Police Department learned of the identification.

She has been identified as a 17-year-old from El Cajon, who was reported missing earlier this year to the El Cajon Police Department. The La Mesa Police Department’s Investigations Unit, in partnership with San Diego County task force detectives and investigators from the El Cajon Police Department, will continue its investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. At this time, no foul play is suspected and this is being handled as a fentanyl-related death.

LMPD is asking that anyone who has any information on this case, call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.