Who:
Deputy Chief James McMurray, Commanding Officer, Detective Bureau, Mr. John Miller, Commanding Officer, Critical Incident Management Bureau, Captain Al Michelena, Commanding Officer, Robbery-Homicide Division, Captain Ronald Marbrey, Commanding Officer, North Hollywood Area

What:
News Conference

When:
Friday, December 19, 2003
2:00 p.m.

Where:
Parker Center
150 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles

Los Angeles: On September 2, 2002, at 1:30 a.m., Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to a vehicle fire in the 11000 block of Woodbridge Street in Studio City. Upon their arrival, they discovered a black Mercedes Benz SUV parked along the south curb. The fire was quickly extinguished. Upon examination of the vehicle, 35 year-old Michael Tardio and 31 year-old Christopher Monsoon were discovered inside the vehicle. The victims had been shot.

Detectives believe the fire was set in an unsuccessful attempt to eliminate evidence. Follow up investigation has revealed robbery of jewelry estimated at over $500,000.00 as one possible motive for the murders.

The Los Angeles City Council is offering a $25,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for these senseless acts. The families of both victims will be in attendance during the news conference.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Robbery-Homicide Detectives, at 213-485-2531. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Adriana N. Sanchez, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.