Double- Homicide Investigation Leads to Arrest, Sentencing NR22110ah

Sylmar: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Bureau Homicide investigated the murder of Maureen Gradvohl and Edward Steckel; which led to the arrest of a family member.

On November 28, 2021, at 8:30 a.m., Mission Area patrol officers responded to the 12600 block of Amboy Avenue for a Suicide Investigation. Upon arrival, the officers were met by the Suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Marcel Gradvohl who stated that he went to the garage and discovered his mother, Maureen Gradvohl hanging from a rope.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at scene.

Operations Valley Bureau Homicide responded and assumed responsibility. Detectives learned that on November 26, 2021 Marcel was seen digging in the back yard. Detectives responded to the area where Marcel was seen digging and discovered what appeared to be a body. Detectives interviewed Marcel who admitted to killing both his mother, Maureen Gradvohl and uncle, Edward Steckel.

Marcel Gradvohl stated on November 26, 2021, he shot and killed his uncle, after a dispute. Later that same day he strangled his mother. On November 27, 2021, Marcel buried his uncle’s body in the back yard and staged his mother’s suicide. On November 28, 2021, Marcel called the police claiming he discovered his mother hanging in the garage.

Marcel Gradvohl was arrested and booked for murder.

On April 18, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. a pre-scheduled sentencing hearing for Marcel Gradvohl was conducted at Los Angeles County Superior Court – San Fernando Courthouse. At this hearing, he plead guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.

Marcel Gradvohl was sentenced to 25 years to life, plus one year, for the use of a rope in the commission of a murder; and 25 years to life, plus four years, for the use of a handgun in the commission of a murder.

Both of Marcel Gradvohl’s sentences were ordered to run consecutively.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Steve Castro, Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-1925. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIP (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.