Suspect Sought in Medical Marijuana Clinic Murder

(Update)

The LAPD has arrested a second suspect in connection with a medical marijuana clinic murder. 
On September 17, 2010, 27-year-old Raymond Lemone Easter was arrested in the Van Nuys area for the murder of Matthew Butcher.  Easter had been a wanted fugitive and had been featured on the crime tip television show “America’s Most Wanted.” 

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division have been working with the United States Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force in tracking down Easter.  On Friday, September 17, 2010, the Marshal’s Task Force, working on information provided by the community, located and arrested Easter in the Van Nuys area.

The Los Angeles Police Department works to establish positive relationships with other law enforcement entities.  This is a prime example of the benefits that partnerships between law enforcement agencies can provide.

Detectives continue to diligently investigate this murder in hopes of identifying and arresting additional suspects.  The public is reminded that a $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the remaining suspects.

Los Angeles: Investigators are asking for the public’s help to locate 27-year-old Raymond Lemone Easter, a suspect in the murder of Matthew Butcher.

On June 24, 2010, just before 4 p.m., three suspects entered the Higher Path Holistic Care Collective in the 1300 block of West Sunset Boulevard.  Once inside, the suspects disarmed the security guard and began ransacking the business, robbing the business of various items.  As the suspects left the business they shot both Butcher and the security guard in the head.  Butcher was pronounced dead at scene.  The security guard, whose name is being withheld for his safety, was transported to a local hospital.  He is recovering from his injuries.

On July 21, 2010, 31-year-old Daniel “Scooter” Hinton was arrested and has been charged with murder and attempted murder (with the special circumstance of murder during the commission of a burglary).  He is being held without bail, awaiting trial.

On July 28, 2010, District 1 City Councilmember Ed Reyes introduced a motion to offer a reward in this case.  A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the remaining suspects.

On August 3, 2010, Easter was charged with murder and attempted murder (with the special circumstance of murder during the commission of a burglary) and is currently being sought by police.

Anyone with information related to this case or the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to call Robbery Homicide Division Detectives Dennis English or James King at 213-486-6890.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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.