Murder Suspect Apprehended Near Dana Point – NR22226jl

Canoga Park: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Bureau Homicide have announced the arrest of a murder suspect responsible for fatally stabbing a woman.

On August 7, 2022, around 5:26 a.m., Topanga Division patrol officers responded to an “Assault with a Deadly Weapon” radio call that had just occurred in the 6900 block of Canoga Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers observed the victim laying on the street suffering from multiple stab wounds. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and pronounced her deceased at scene.

Operations Valley Bureau Homicide detectives assumed investigative responsibility. The investigation revealed that the victim was stabbed either inside or outside of her vehicle, a 2003, green, Ford Expedition. Detectives are still investigating what led up to the stabbing.

According to witnesses, the suspect was seen fleeing the area in the victim’s vehicle.

Detectives were advised that the suspect was traveling south on the 5 freeway and ran out of gas near Dana Point. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers had knowledge about this incident and observed the suspect on the shoulder of the 5 freeway. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody by CHP without incident.

The victim has been identified as 40-year-old, Elisa Lopez, a resident from Canoga Park.

Detectives identified the suspect as 40-year-old (DOB:03-09-82), Oscar Valenzuela, a male Hispanic from Sunland. He was booked for 187 (A)PC – Murder, bail has been set at $200,000.00, Booking #6434666.

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-TIPS (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.