UPDATE – 4-Year-Old Child in Danger – Media Can Help

UPDATE:
On Saturday, January 19, 2002, at approximately 9:35 a.m., suspect Harry Perez was arrested at the rear of a residence in the 1100 block of west 21st in San Pedro. The suspect was booked for attempt murder of his 16 month old daughter. He is also being held on a parole hold without bail.

Who:
Abused Child Unit and Mother of 4-year-old Majesta Miranda

What:
Press Conference with Photos and Interviews

Where:
Parker Center
150 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles

When:
January 18, 2002
12:00 Noon

Why:
Child Abduction Regional Emergency: Media Assistance is Needed to Find Majesta Miranda

Los Angeles: On Thursday, January 17, 2002, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Southeast Detectives responded to a local hospital to investigate an assault upon a child. The 18 month-old victim had allegedly been beaten severely by the father, suspect Harry Lee Perez. The child, who was clinically dead, was revived due to the outstanding life saving efforts of hospital personnel. The child is currently listed in very critical condition.

Perez is thought to have fled the hospital with the victim’s sister, 4-year-old Majesta Miranda and is being sought by the Los Angeles Police Department. Majesta is a female Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes, 3 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 40 pounds. Majesta was last seen wearing a gray shirt and blue shoes with the “Blues Clues” design, and black sweat pants.

Suspect Perez is described as a 36-year-old male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds. Perez was last seen wearing a black cap and shirt, tan shorts and white shoes. Perez also has a tattoo of “PEREZ” on his back and claims to be a gang member.

Additional information will be made available at today’s Press Conference. Photos of Perez and the children will be available today at noon. The mother of the children will also be available to meet with the media.

The Los Angeles Police Department Abused Child Unit is handling the investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Ruedas from the Abused Child Unit at 213-485-4220 during business hours. On weekends and during off- hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

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