Elderly Caretaker Kills Elderly Landlord

May 8, 2006

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are investigating a daylight shooting in Pacoima that left a 76-year-old landlord dead and his 78-year-old tenant under arrest for murder.

Chamras Thara, a native of Thailand, owned two adjoining properties, 13031 and 13037 Burton Street. He lived in the house at 13031 with his wife, and rented 13037 to Hual Sripetch, 78, who is also a native of Thailand. Sripetch acted as the caretaker for the second property for the last five years.

A dispute broke out between the two elderly men in the rear yard of the 13037 residence. At some point, Sripetch armed himself with a gun and shot Thara.

Thara’s wife called police just before 10:45 AM. When officers from the Foothill Police Station arrived moments later, Thara was found shot behind the garage, and Sripetch was taken into custody. Paramedics pronounced Thara dead at the scene.

Hual Sripetch was arrested and booked for murder. His bail was set at $1 million.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Foothill Homicide Detectives at 818-834-3115. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-our toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).