The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify a man who died from burn injuries at a National City shopping center in February.
Due to the extent of his injuries, investigators have not been able to identify him through standard methods. He had no identification, personal items or clothing that could help determine who he was.
In the early morning hours of Feb. 21, firefighters responded to reports of flames coming from a dumpster enclosure at The Galleria shopping center at 2720 E. Plaza Blvd. After extinguishing the fire, crews found the man deceased inside the enclosure, according to Medical Examiner Investigator Jennifer Wright.
An anthropology examination suggests the man may have been African American, likely between his late 30s to late 40s, and approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall. No additional could be determined.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video after a witness reported seeing someone enter the dumpster enclosure on the evening before, Feb. 20. The video shows a man matching the possible victim’s description wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and red slippers.
Anyone who recognizes the description or has information that may help identify the man is asked to call the Medical Examiner’s Office at 858-694-2905 and reference case number 2026-00525.
