Los Angeles: On September 25, 2002, a stabbing occurred at the apartment complex located at 1515 S. Sawtelle Ave. Both the victim and suspect live in different apartments within the complex. According to witnesses, the victim and suspect became involved in a argument earlier in the day. At approximately 8:40 p.m., the suspect walked up to the victim who was sitting in a common area within the apartment complex. The suspect picked up the victim by the shirt collar and stabbed him in the back. The suspect then walked away from the victim and walked into his apartment. West Los Angeles patrol officers responded and placed the suspect into custody without incident. A search was conducted of the suspect’s apartment and the possible murder weapon was recovered.

The victim is identified as 41-year old, Rodolfo Rocha, who was transported to UCLA Medical Center and pronounced dead upon arrival.

The suspect is identified as 35-year old Eulalio Rizo and was arrested for murder.

The motive for this incident is unknown at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact West Los Angeles Homicide Detectives, 310-575-8428. During off-hours and on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.