Los Angeles: On July 23, 2002, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Northeast Area uniformed officers were dispatched to an "Ambulance-Cutting" at 122 North Avenue 66 in the Highland Park Community. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the wounded bodies of a six-year old girl, a 25-year old man and a 53-year old man. Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to the victims at scene then transported them to area hospitals.

The investigation at scene included an interview with the 53-year old male who identified his son, the 25-year old male, Celmar Cabigas, as the attacker and that of his six-year old daughter. The investigation revealed the father was asleep in the residence when awakened by the sounds of his daughter screaming for help. The father went to her aid and found Celmar standing over his injured daughter with a knife in his hands. When the father attempted to intervene, Celmar used his knife to stab him in the chest. Before losing consciousness, the father watched as Celmar turned the knife on himself and inflicted multiple stab wounds to his chest.

The father and daughter survived the attack and are being treated at a local hospital. Celmar is listed in critical condition and is expected to survive his injuries as well. He is being treated at Los Angeles County USC-Medical Center, Jail Ward. The attempted murder cases will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Northeast Area Family Violence detectives are conducting the follow-up investigation.

As of July 24, 2002, the suspect remains in stable condition at Los Angeles County USC-Medical Center, Jail Ward, where he awaits arraignment after being booked for Attempt Murder. The father and daughter remain hospitalized, both in stable condition.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.