On September 16, 2023, 38-year-old Wesley Orso was found deceased in a homeless encampment located at the intersection of Tujunga Avenue and Cumpston Street in Valley Village, Los Angeles. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a "death investigation" call at approximately 8:05 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Orso inside a tent within the encampment. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced him dead at the scene.
Initially, the presence of narcotics paraphernalia near Orso led investigators to suspect a drug overdose as the cause of death. However, a subsequent examination revealed that he had suffered a gunshot wound, indicating that he was the victim of a homicide. The Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner identified the deceased as Wesley Orso but did not have a listed place of residence for him, though he was believed to have been experiencing homelessness in the local area.
As of the latest available information, the investigation into Orso's death is ongoing. Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects connected to the case. Detectives from the LAPD's Valley Bureau Homicide division are leading the investigation and have appealed to the public for assistance. They have requested that anyone with information about the incident contact them directly or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
