What:
LAPD will hold a press conference to request the public’s assistance on a homicide investigation.

When:
Wednesday, May 16, 2001, 10:00 A.M.

Where:
Southeast Community Police Station,145 West 108^th Street, Los Angeles

Los Angeles: On Thursday, January 4, 2001, at approximately 9:30 A.M., the victim, who was later identified as Miguel Payan, was found dead inside a vacant two story duplex at 9810 South central Avenue. The victim was a part time construction worker and was last seen alive, at the same location, on January 3, 2001, in the company of an unidentified male Hispanic, who is wanted for questioning in relation to this homicide investigation. Detectives believe that the unidentified male was a co-worker who has not been heard from since.

Detectives have received information that the co-worker answers to the first name of "Jose" and has worked as a day laborer at various construction sites in the south-central area of Los Angeles. "Jose" is known to ride a blue ten-speed bicycle to and from job sites and carries his personal tools in a purple backpack. He is also known to wear a red bicycle helmet.

Detectives will be providing a photograph depicting a partial side view of "Jose’s" face, his bicycle, backpack and helmet as well as a composite drawing, These items will be available to the media.

In addition, family members of the victim will be at the press conference to make a special plea to the public to assist the police with information to solve this murder.

Anyone with information that may assist southeast detectives, please call Detective Smith or Paglialonga at 213-485 6902.

This press release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, media Relations Section, 213-485 3586.