Los Angeles: On April 14, 2001 at approximately 5:30 P.M., the victim, 23 year-old Maria Del Pilar Mendez, was found by the landlord inside a converted garage, located in the 1400 block of Federal Avenue, Los Angeles. The victim appeared to have died by strangulation. The victim was last seen alive on April 14, 2001, at approximately 12:00 P.M.

West Los Angeles Detectives conducting the investigation are looking for the victim’s estranged husband, Marcos Aurelio Diaz, for questioning in relation to the investigation. Mr. Diaz is described as a male Hispanic, 29 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 200 pounds, has brown eyes and hair, and is of medium complexion. The victim was found in a location belonging to Mr. Diaz.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to contact Detective Ron Philips at 310-575-8408.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.