Hollywood Man Sought in Mysterious Death of Roommate

June 7, 2001

"Hollywood Man Sought in Mysterious Death of Roommate"
 

Hollywood – On Wednesday, June 6, 2001, at approximately 8:40 A.M., Hollywood Area Community Police Station police officers responded to a radio call of a "death investigation" on the 2100 block of Cahuenga Boulevard. The location is a board and care facility administering to the mentally ill. Prior to the police call, the manager of the facility discovered the body of a 49 year-old male inside one of the rooms. Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported hearing sounds of a struggle in the early morning hours.
The victim has been identified as Thomas Patchett, 49 years of age, a resident at that location.
The motive is unknown and the cause of death is pending an autopsy.
Detectives are currently seeking the victim’s roommate, who has been identified as Joseph Bertolo, a 43 year-old male Caucasian who is 5’8" tall and weighs approximately 250 lbs. Bertolo is believed to be the last person to see the victim alive and Detectives would like to question him.
The investigation is being handled Hollywood Division Homicide Detectives.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or with information regarding the whereabouts of Joseph Bertolo is requested to please contact Hollywood Division Homicide Detectives at 213-485-6410.
This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.