L.A. police seek information on burned homicide victim

Clay Buchanan, a 50-year-old man, was killed when his car was set on fire while he slept inside. He had been living in his blue Ford SUV for about four months. This tragic incident happened on August 8, 2023, in South Los Angeles and remains unsolved. Authorities are now offering a $50,000 reward for information that could reveal the identities of those responsible for this crime. Police say that a vehicle approached Buchanan's SUV, and the suspects poured an accelerant on the vehicle and set it ablaze. It is unclear if Buchanan was able to escape or if he was trapped inside during the attack. Buchanan suffered severe burns and died a few hours later in the hospital. He used a wheelchair and had recently required a heart transplant due to complications from COVID-19. Friends remember him fondly, describing him as "tio" and noting that he had been looking for a permanent home before his death. The Los Angeles Police Department hopes that the reward will help bring justice to Buchanan’s family. They emphasize that there is no tolerance for such violent acts in the community. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact LAPD's Homicide Division or submit tips anonymously.