Transgendered Woman Killed in Van Nuys NR15033lp

UPDATE: On February 1, 2015, 25-year-old Ezekiel Jamal Dear, was arrested by Van Nuys Division Detectives for the murder of Yazmin Payne.

Van Nuys: Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would assist in the investigation of Yazmin (also known as Michael) Vash Payne’s murder.

On Saturday, January 31, 2015, around 5:00 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call of a structure fire in the 14600 block of Saticoy Street. Firefighters forced entry into the apartment and were able to quickly extinguish a small fire in the rear bedroom. Firefighters found the victim, 33-year-old Payne, lying on the floor of the kitchen. Paramedics pronounced Payne dead at the scene.

Van Nuys homicide detectives responded to the scene and found that Payne had sustained multiple stab wounds. Detectives were able to recover the murder weapon at the scene.

Detectives are seeking a person of interest in the case. He is described as a male Black, in his mid-20s, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 150 lbs.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the Van Nuys Detective Desk at (818) 374-0040. After hours, please contact Van Nuys Division at (818) 374-1999, or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”