Public’s Assistance Needed in Locating Murder Suspect

August 9, 2001

"Public’s Assistance Needed in Locating Murder Suspect"
 
What:
Press Conference
When:
Friday, August 10, 2001, at 11:00 a.m.
Where:
Van Nuys Community Police Station, 6240 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys
Van Nuys: On Friday, August 10, 2001, at 11:00 a.m., Van Nuys Homicide Detectives will hold a press conference to request the public’s assistance in locating the whereabouts of a murder suspect. The suspect fled the location still armed with the weapon used during the crime and should be considered extremely dangerous. The victim’s family will be available during the press conference to answer questions from the media. Photographs of the victim as well as the suspect will also be made available.

On Friday, August 3, 2001, at approximately 9:49 p.m., Van Nuys patrol officers responded to a shots fired call at the 7400 block of Haskell Avenue. Upon arrival at the location, officers found the victim, James Richard, male Black, 24 years of age, resident of the Van Nuys area, suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Mr. Richard was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
On Tuesday, August 7, 2001, Van Nuys Homicide Detectives identified the suspect as Donald Johnson, male Black, 31 years of age who was responsible for the murder. Johnson is the victim’s brother-in-law.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Van Nuys Homicide Unit at 818-756-8377, or during non-business hours, the Van Nuys Watch Commander at 818-756-8346.
This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.