Wesley Orso, 38, was found dead inside a tent in a homeless encampment at Tujunga Avenue and Cumpston Street in Valley Village, Los Angeles on September 16, 2023. LAPD officers arrived around 8:05 a.m.; LAFD paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner identified him but listed no residence; he was believed to have been experiencing homelessness in the area.

Investigators initially noted narcotics paraphernalia near the body and considered an overdose, but a later examination showed a gunshot wound, and the death is being treated as a homicide. Valley Bureau Homicide detectives are leading the investigation; no arrests or suspects have been announced. Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Valley Homicide division or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

Did anyone in Valley Village or nearby see something that morning or know Wesley’s movements before he was found?