Reward Offered in Burning Death of Homeless Man

What:
News Conference

When:
Friday, October 17, 2008
3:00 p.m.

Where:
Parker Center (Breezeway)
150 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, California 90012

Who:
Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, Chief of Detectives
Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Council District 4
Councilmember Eric Garcetti, Council District 13
Captain Denis Cremins, Commanding Officer, Robbery Homicide Division
LAPD Robbery Homicide Detectives
Victim’s Family members

Why:
The City of Los Angeles is offering a reward for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the brutal murder of John Robert McGraham.

The crime occurred on Thursday, October 9, 2008 in the 3500 block of West 3rd Street in the Rampart Area. At around 9:40 p.m., the suspect(s) approached Mr. McGraham and doused him with an accelerant. The suspect(s) set him on fire then quickly left the area.

Citizens tried valiantly to put out the flames but unfortunately the victim did not survive the attack.

The suspect that doused the victim was described as a male Hispanic in his mid to late 20’s. The suspect’s vehicle is described as a late model, possible Honda, tan or gold in color driven by a second suspect also described as a male Hispanic.

The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the public’s help in identifying the person(s) responsible for this vicious crime.