By Mary O’KEEFE

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office and sheriff’s detectives Homicide Unit have released the identity of the bodies found in unrelated discoveries in the Angeles National Forest.

On Jan. 19, the body of a man was discovered in the Big Tujunga area near mile marker 2.72. Officials have identified the man as 25-year-old Nicolas Carter.

“He was reported missing out of the Glendale area,” said Det. Sylvia Brossoit.

Carter’s body was found near the area where on Jan. 9 a shallow grave was discovered. Detectives are investigating this as a homicide.

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact the Det. Brossoit at (323) 890-5500.

On Jan. 24, the body of a woman was discovered by hikers off the East Fork Road near Cattle Canyon Bridge.

The body of Irela Leyva Quinones, 45, was discovered on a U.S. Forest service trail.

The cause of death was stabbing, said Lt. Dave Coleman.

“We think she was killed on the same day her body was discovered,” Coleman said.

Detectives are looking for any information concerning this homicide. Coleman said detectives believe Quinones was killed at the area she was found.

“We believe she was in the company of one or two males,” he said.

Detectives hope that someone may have seen the woman and men in the area. There is a parking area nearby and trails.

“There are some people that have a temporary campsite [in the area],” he added.

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area from early morning until the time of discovery on Jan. 24 are asked to contact Lt. Coleman at (323) 890-5500.