Burbank police: Body of missing FBI agent believed to be found

Authorities say they’ve found the body of an FBI agent who was reported missing more than two months ago.

The special agent, Stephen Ivens, reported missing on May 11, was found Monday night in a wooded area in the 3600 block of Scott Road near St. Francis Xavier School, Burbank police Sgt. Darin Ryburn said.

The body was discovered by two hikers who noticed a foul smell, according to police.

Police were working with Los Angeles County coroner’s officials to determine the cause of death and “official identification.”

"Every indication is that he’s been there from the first day,” Ryburn said. Ivens’ gun was also recovered near his body, Ryburn added.

[Updated 12:15 p.m.: FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller called the discovery "a sad day, not only for the Ivens family, but for law enforcement as well.”

The FBI was assisting Burbank police with their investigation, but the cause of death would be determined by coroner's officials, she added.]

The area is not far from the Ivens' home in the 1700 block of Scott Road, where the 36-year-old agent was last seen.

Ryburn said Ivens' family, which had staged several public events to draw attention to his case, has been notified.

After Ivens disappeared from his home, authorities from several law enforcement agencies launched a massive search that took on added urgency because officials said he likely had his department-issued gun and could be a danger to himself.

They called off the active search a few days later, relying on leads from the public.

-- Jason Wells, Times Community News

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