Man Arrested For the Murder of His Parents NR12425bb

September 8, 2012

Los Angeles:   Detectives arrested 25-year-old Jonathan Mercado of North Hollywood for the murder of his parents.

On Friday, September 7, 2012, at 4:20 p.m., Foothill Division Patrol officers responded to a citizen concern regarding a parked car on Webb Avenue near Cantara Street in Sun Valley. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered a female decedent that had been the victim of foul play. The decedent was later identified as 47-year-old Veronica Mercado, a resident of North Hollywood. During a follow up to her residence in the 8100 block of Radford Street in North Hollywood, Officers discovered a second decedent in the residence identified as 51-year-old Alexandro Mercado, the husband of Veronica Mercado. He also had met with foul play.

Detectives responded to the crime scenes, prepared and served a search warrant at the residence.  Based on the evidence, 25-year-old Jonathan Mercado, the son of the victims was arrested for murder.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to call Foothill Division Homicide Detectives Jones and Santana at 818-834-3115.  During weekends and off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAPD24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.