Los Angeles: On Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at 4:00 p.m., Foothill Area patrol officers responded to a radio call in the 13500 block of Bromwich Street in Arleta. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers learned a seven year-old girl had been air lifted to a local hospital in critical condition. A follow-up investigation revealed the injuries were obtained while the girl was in the care of a relative, 16 year-old boy.

On Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at 9:24 a.m., the girl succumbed to her injuries. The male juvenile was taken into custody for murder and was booked at Sylmar Juvenile Hall.

Anyone with information is requested to call Foothill Area Police Station, at 818-756-8861. On weekends or 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 release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.