Man Found Stabbed in Sylmar Townhouse
Sylmar. Detectives are investigating the stabbing death of an 18-year-old man, found dead in his family’s townhouse after an acquaintance directed police to the residence around 9 AM this morning, January 15, 2015.
The 17-year-old friend was insistent that something bad had happened to his friend inside the townhouse, located at 14035 Astoria Street.
“The friend was not specific about what was wrong or even how he knew, but he was insistent,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “Officers believed it was a life-or-death emergency so they forced entry.”
Officer discovered the lifeless body of the victim inside. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
The victim lived in the townhouse with his mother and siblings. They were not home when the crime occurred, nor do police believe family was involved, “But it is clear the victim knew his assailant or assailants,” Lt. Vernon added. “We’re asking anyone with information to call us.”
The victim’s name will be released once his family has been notified.
Anyone with information is urged to call Det. Gretchen Schultz, Mission Homicide Unit, at (818) 838-9951. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
# # # # #
