L.A. City Councilman Sponsors Reward for Homeless Man Killer

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding the person responsible for the death of a 69-year-old homeless man.

On April 14, 2008, at around 10 p.m., an unidentified Hispanic man in his mid-20s approached Gene Loftis, an elderly homeless man, and punched him in the face near an El Pollo Loco Restaurant at Roscoe and Reseda Boulevards. Loftis fell to the ground, hitting his head on the sidewalk. He was then admitted to Northridge Medical Center, where he remained in a coma until his death on May 1, 2008. The motive for this assault remains unknown.

At a press conference earlier today at LAPD’s Devonshire Community Police Station, 12th District Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith announced his sponsorship of a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call LAPD Devonshire detectives at 818-832-0609. After hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).