WHAT:
News Conference

WHEN:
July 2, 2004
3:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Devonshire Community Police Station
10250 Etiwanda Ave
Northridge

Los Angeles: Between the late morning and early evening hours of June 29, 2004, a residential burglary occurred within the Granada Hills community bordered by Balboa Boulevard and Sesnon Avenue. After forcing entry, the suspect(s) involved fled, taking various items of jewelry, firearms and the cremated remains of the former resident, a recently deceased detective of the Los Angeles Police Department. The human remains were contained inside a specially designed box, which was then placed inside a blue velvet bag at the time of the theft. Later the same day, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the victim's stolen credit card was presented by an unidentified female Hispanic or Black; at a store within the Northridge Fashion Center. Video surveillance cameras inside the store captured a photograph of this person as she awaited approval of her purchase. When she was asked to provide additional identification in support of the stolen credit card, she refused and immediately left the store and escaped. This female is further described as having blond hair with dark roots, 5'-7"/ 5'-8" in height, 160-170 lbs, 25-30 years of age, with a mole on the right side of her upper lip. Photographs of this suspect will be available at the press conference.

Investigators believe that this burglary is part of a group of crimes in which the suspect(s) used the same method of entry and stole similar items of value in the local area. On one previous crime, a resident was home when the burglar entered. The suspect in this crime was described as a male Hispanic, with short black hair, almond shaped eyes, 6' tall, 190 lbs, 25years old. A composite drawing of this suspect will be available at the press conference.

The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the community's assistance in identifying the individuals and in recovering the remains of one of its own dedicated and loyal public servants. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Devonshire Detective Division during business hours, at 818-756-8291, or after hours and on weekends, the Devonshire Patrol Watch Commander, at 818-756-8285.

This press release was prepared by Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.