Cause of death revealed for missing mother found dead at L.A. homeless encampment 

The death of a mother and Army veteran whose body was found at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles was ruled an accident and due to drug use.

On May 12, Lucrecia Macias Barajas, 46, was found dead inside a sidewalk tent that was reportedly locked in the Westlake District near downtown L.A. 

Inside the tent were the bodies of Barajas and a man, now identified as Fredy Pojoy Sajqui, 39. The nature of their relationship was unclear.

On July 9, the L.A. County medical examiner’s office announced both Barajas and Sajqui died from the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Their deaths were also ruled accidental.

In early May, Barajas’ daughters said she left her home on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, and that was the last time they heard from her.

After she was missing for several days and family members were unable to reach her, they eventually traced her cell phone signal to an encampment near downtown where he daughter made the grisly discovery. 

Neighbors said at least one of the bodies found in the tent had been partially eaten by dogs. 

Los Angeles police had investigated the case as a suspected overdose despite the family’s objections. Her daughters said they’re unsure why their mother went to the encampment that day, but at the time, they believed the circumstances surrounding her death were suspicious.

Born in Nicaragua, Barajas fled with her family in 1986 amid the country’s civil war. She later joined the U.S. Army between the late 1990s and early 2000s. She was the mother of six children.

Her daughters told the Los Angeles Times that they believe their mother started using methamphetamine in 2017 as a way to manage raising six children, working full-time and battling stage 3 lymphoma. They were reportedly unaware of their mother’s drug use at the time, though they said she eventually became sober.

Barajas’ loved ones described her as a generous person who often delivered food to those struggling on the streets. 

“Lucrecia was a wonderful person and served our country,” said Stephanie Torres, a longtime friend.

“She had her whole life ahead of her,” said Amely Becerra, Barajas’ daughter. “She was still so young.”

The homeless encampment where Barajas was found has remained a chronic issue for many residents, who say the area attracts criminal activity, drug use and safety hazards.

Neighbors said the district has been neglected by city officials and despite repeated complaints, nothing is being done to curb the growing problems.

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