What:
Press Conference to Release Composite Drawing of Possible Attempt Murder Suspect

When:
Wednesday, May 21, 2003, at 3:00 p.m.

Where:
Devonshire Area Police Station, 10250 Etiwanda Avenue, Northridge

Los Angeles: On Tuesday, January 14, 2003, between midnight and 6:00 a.m., the victim, Mary Casamento, was severely beaten by an unknown assailant as she was parking her vehicle inside the attached garage of her Chatsworth home, located in the 10500 block of DeSoto Avenue. The victim was rendered unconscious and the circumstances of the assault remain unclear.

Earlier the same day a male approached Casamento at the home of an acquaintance in the Manhattan Beach Area. The male advised her that he had information regarding an unresolved personal matter, and she agreed to meet him at her Chatsworth home later that evening. A composite sketch of the male Casamento agreed to meet has been drafted.

The identity of the attacker remains unknown and it is uncertain whether the male depicted in the sketch is the suspect. The investigators are requesting the assistance of the community relative to the identity of a possible suspect, as well as information concerning anyone resembling the composite sketch.

The composite depicts a male of unknown descent, with salt and pepper hair, dark eyes, 5’-9"/5’-10", 150/160 pounds and an olive complexion. His age is uncertain. His speech was slurred and he spoke with an accent that was possibly Hispanic in origin.

A press conference will be held in front of the Devonshire Area Community Police Station to reveal the composite drawing. Casamento will be attending, however, her ability to communicate is hampered by injuries attributed to the vicious attack. Also attending will be Captain John Sherman, Commanding Officer of Devonshire Detective Division, as well as investigators assigned to the case.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Devonshire Area Homicide Unit at 818-756-8291. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

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