Persons of Interest Sought in Murder in Sherman Oaks NR15043jk

February 8, 2015

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Van Nuys Homicide detectives are seeking additional suspects related to the stabbing murder of 17-year-old Jacob Koffman.

On Friday, February 6, 2015, around 6:40 p.m., Jacob and five males were involved in a dispute over narcotics to the rear of an apartment building located in the 15000 block of Dickens Street. During the course of the dispute, Jacob and another male juvenile were cut. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment, where Jacob succumbed to his injuries and died. The other juvenile was medically cleared and released from the hospital. He, along with two additional males (an adult and juvenile) detained at the scene were transported to Van Nuys Police Station for questioning.

Investigators interviewed the juvenile who was hospitalized and discovered he was injured during the struggle. Both juveniles were subsequently booked for Murder. The adult suspect, identified as Ennio Avolio and described as an 18-year-old Caucasian male was booked for possession of Narcotics for Sales.

Two additional persons of interest are being sought. They are both described as male Hispanics, between 17 and 18 years of age who were last seen running northbound from Dickens Street.

The murder weapon was recovered at scene and is described as a tactical folding knife.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Van Nuys Detective desk at (818) 374-0040. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipster may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.