Canoga Park Man Arrested for Murder of Ex-Girlfriend

Los Angeles: A man living in Canoga Park was arrested on Saturday for the murder of his ex-girlfriend.

On Friday, June 2, 2006, around 1:00 p.m., a neighbor in the 20300 block of Oxnard Street in Woodland Hills discovered a vehicle parked in the alley near his house. As he approached the vehicle, he saw what appeared to be a deceased female in the driver’s seat. He phoned 911 and Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded, pronouncing the woman dead at 1:15 p.m.

Homicide Detectives from West Valley area responded and are handling the investigation. The decedent was identified as 24-year-old Mayra A. Lopez of Canoga Park. She was the registered owner of the vehicle in which she was found. Ms. Lopez died from a cut to her throat.

On June 3, detectives identified the suspect, 32-year-old Miguel Guarhaj, a day laborer living in Canoga Park. Guarhaj was arrested at a Tarzana home where he was working.

A search of Guarhaj’s residence recovered bloody clothing and the victim’s cell phone, taken in the murder. Guarhaj and the victim were previously involved in a relationship, but had separated in August after he allegedly struck and choked her during a domestic dispute.

Guarhaj was booked for murder and is being held at the Van Nuys jail without bail.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact West Valley Homicide detectives at 818-374-7721, during normal business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).