Westlake Man Dies in Early Morning Robbery

April 23, 2006

Los Angeles: A man died early Sunday morning after being stabbed in an apparent robbery.

On Sunday, April 23, 2006, just before 5:00 a.m., police responded to a death investigation call at a residence in the 600 block of South Bonnie Brae Street, in the Westlake area of Los Angeles. When officers arrived they found Fernando Lopez, a 32-year-old male Hispanic, collapsed on an apartment staircase. He had suffered a stab wound to the neck. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced him dead at the scene.

The investigation revealed that Mr. Lopez and a companion were walking westbound on 7th Street, near Witmer Street, when two male Hispanics confronted them. Mr. Lopez’s companion was knocked unconscious, and when he awoke both his cell phone and Mr. Lopez were gone. The victim’s companion returned to his residence. When he entered the apartment building, he saw Mr. Lopez on the stairs. The victim’s family immediately called police.

The suspects are two male Hispanics, approximately 22 years, 5’5" tall, with brown hair and eyes. One suspect was wearing a red t-shirt. The motive for the crime is believed to be robbery. An unknown object was used in the stabbing and remains outstanding.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detective Silva or Motto, at 213-207-2000, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).