Los Angeles: Central Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the stabbing death of a 40 year-old man.

On Tuesday, June 8, 2004, at about 8:00 a.m., Central Area patrol officers responded to a stabbing call in the 300 block of West 5^th Street. Upon arrival, the officers found the victim lying on the sidewalk in front of 458 South Broadway, suffering from multiple stab wounds.

A witness to the stabbing followed the person who stabbed the victim to the Perishing Hotel located at 502 South Main Street. After observing the suspect entering the hotel, the witness called the police to the suspect’s location. The officers responded to the hotel and observed a person, who matched the description provided by the witness. The suspect was transported to Central Area Police Station for further investigation. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

Although the victim identity has been determined, his name is being withheld pending notification to his family.

The suspect has been identified as 56 year-old Frank Pillar, a resident of Los Angeles. He was booked for murder and is being held on $1,000,000 bail.

The motive in this case has not been established and the investigation is on going.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Central Area homicide Detectives, at 213-972-1249. 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 release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.