Twenty One Year Old Man Missing, Foul Play Suspected

June 7, 2002

"Twenty One Year Old Man Missing, Foul Play Suspected"
 
What:
Press Conference
When:
Friday, June 7, 2002, at 4:00 p.m.
Where:
Devonshire Community Police Station, 10250 Etiwanda Avenue, Northridge

Los Angeles: On Friday, May 31, 2002, two friends of Peter Cruz, a 21-year-old resident of Northridge, responded to the Cruz residence after being unable to contact him over a period of four days. The friends knocked on the door, but no one answered. They peered through a window and observed what they thought to be signs of a possible struggle inside the apartment. The friends then notified the Los Angeles Police Department.
On Friday, May 31, 2002, two friends of Peter Cruz, a 21-year-old resident of Northridge, responded to the Cruz residence after being unable to contact him over a period of four days. The friends knocked on the door, but no one answered. They peered through a window and observed what they thought to be signs of a possible struggle inside the apartment. The friends then notified the Los Angeles Police Department.
Responding officers gained entrance to the apartment and observed tangible signs of apparent foul play, however, Mr. Cruz was no where to be found. The officers further found out that his vehicle had been impounded from private property in Panorama City on May 31, 2002.
Devonshire Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility for the missing person investigation and have determined that an apparent assault occurred inside the apartment during the early morning hours of May 29, which likely resulted in great bodily injury to an involved party.
Mr. Cruz’ whereabouts is unknown. Neither family nor friends have had any contact with him since May 27.
Members of the Cruz family will be in attendance at the press conference and photos of Mr. Cruz which display a distinct physical oddity, will be available. The detectives are requesting help from the public in locating Mr. Cruz. Those with information should contact the Devonshire Homicide Unit at 818-756-8291 or 818-756-8285.
This media advisory was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3585.