Dogs Uncover Woman's Body Buried in Backyard

4:05 PM PDT, June 2, 2009



WEST LOS ANGELES -- Dogs discovered the body of a missing woman partially buried in the backyard of her home.

Now police want to talk to the woman's gardener, turned live-in boyfriend.

The body of 57 year old Margarita Padilla was found Monday in the backyard of her home in the 11500 block of National Boulevard in a shallow grave by the woman's own dogs, according to detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division.

She died from blunt force trauma to her head, according to the coroner.

Padilla was last seen going to the movies on Saturday.

A family member reported her missing when she did not return home. Her purse, jacket and keys were found on top of her bed, according to investigators.

Neighbors say Padilla was a loving, caring woman and they're shocked by the brutal crime.

Detectives want to speak with Padilla's 27 year old live-in boyfriend who hasn't been seen since her disappearance.

The boyfriend reportedly was Padilla's gardener before becoming romantically involved with her.

Police believe he may be an illegal immigrant who has returned to Mexico.

The L.A. County coroner says Padilla died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Police have not released a motive for the crime.

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