COMPTON—The body of missing teen, Samantha Bustos, 15, was found on Monday, March 25. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department indicated that they launched a homicide investigation into Bustos’ death.
The teen’s body was discovered on the 500 block of Victoria Street near Dominguez Hill Industrial Park. Lt. Rodney Moore of the LASD indicated that “[Bustos] was located on the west sidewalk in between a fence line and the bushes.”
Authorities indicated the teen suffered a “traumatic injury” to her upper torso. The exact specifics of that injury has not been disclosed to the public. Bustos was last seen on Friday, March 22, where she informed her parents that she was attending a sleepover with a friend, but was actually attending a party. The family reported the teen missing on Sunday, March 24 after searching for her and several calls to her cell phone went unanswered.
The following statement was posed on a GoFundMe page setup for the teen:
“My niece Samantha Bustos went missing the weekend of March 22, in the city of Compton. A body was found Monday at 1:30am, and later was confirmed by her mother, my sister, blanca Bautista de Cuevas, that it was niece’s body that was found bruised and cut behind bushes in front of a business. We ask for your support to raise funds for her funeral expenses. We appreciate any donation. No donation is to small. Thank you.”
A vigil was held in Compton on Tuesday, March 26 in Samantha’s memory. The GoFundMe Page has raised over $10,000 of the $15,000 goal as of Wednesday, March 27.
Authorities have not released any details regarding potential suspects in the case. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the LASD’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-8477.
Written By Aina Jankunas and Casey Jacobs
