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Homicide detectives arrested a man early Sunday in connection with the death of his wife, whose body was discovered bound and wrapped in plastic in the back seat of a car at their West Whittier home the previous evening, authorities said.

Authorities investigate the discovery of a woman's body, found bound and wrapped in plastic in the back seat of a car parked in in a residential driveway in West Whittier on Jan. 5, 2019.
Authorities investigate the discovery of a woman’s body, found bound and wrapped in plastic in the back seat of a car parked in in a residential driveway in West Whittier on Jan. 5, 2019.

Luis Rey Jimenez-Jimenez, 44, was booked on suspicion of murder, Deputy Dangelo Robinson of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Information Bureau said in a written statement.

The victim’s identity was not released Sunday pending positive identification and notification of family by coroner’s officials.

“Investigators learned the suspect killed the victim approximately one week ago and concealed her body in the backseat of his car, which was discovered parked in the driveway of his home,” Robinson said.

“The victim, a woman believed to be in her early-40s, was found lying across the backseat of the suspect’s car. The victim was bound and wrapped in plastic.”

Coroner’s investigators determined the woman had suffered “significant blunt force trauma” to her head, according to the deputy.

Jimenez was arrested about 3:20 a.m. Sunday, Los Angeles County booking records show. Details regarding the circumstances of his arrest were not available.

Deputies first went to the home in the 8700 block of Orange Street about about 7:30 p.m. Saturday after receiving a call asking them to check on a woman who lived there.

The deputies then discovered the victim’s body inside a car parked in the driveway of the home, Deputy Tracy Koerner said.

Officials towed two vehicles from the scene, including the one in which the victim’s body was found.

Neighbors told KTLA the couple living at the home moved in about four years ago and never displayed violence in the past.

Jimenez’s bail was set at $2 million pending his initial court appearance, scheduled Tuesday in the Downey branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court, according to booking records.

Sheriff’s officials asked anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.