Body Found Burned in Northeast Division

UPDATE

On February 2, 2018, detectives from Robbery-Homicide Division arrested 56-year-old Valentino Gutierrez in Pasadena, California. Detectives used a variety of investigative tools, including video surveillance, bloodhounds and witness statements to quickly apprehend Gutierrez. At this time, detectives believe Gutierrez murdered and dismembered the victim in an abandoned restaurant near Arroyo Parkway and California Boulevard in Pasadena.

After dismembering the body, Gutierrez placed it in a suitcase. Shortly after midnight on February 1st he boarded a Gold Line train in Pasadena with a bicycle and the suitcase. Gutierrez exited the train at the Lincoln Cypress Station in Los Angeles. It is believed he rode his bike and towed the suitcase to the 2000 block of North Figueroa where he lit the suitcase on fire.

Detectives believe the victim is the wife of the suspect, 31-year-old Tiana Alfred. Detectives are working with the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office to confirm the identity and locate next of kin.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder and arson against Gutierrez and his bail was set at over two million dollars.

Los Angeles: On February 1, 2018, around 1:55 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to the 2000 block of North Figueroa Street to meet the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Before the officers arrived, the LAFD received a call to the same location for a fire. After extinguishing the fire, they found one person.That person was pronounced dead at the scene.

LAPD Northeast Homicide detectives, along with Robbery Homicide Division detectives, responded to the scene to investigate the death.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded and will conduct an autopsy. When the decedent has been identified, the Coroner’s Office will notify the next of kin and release the identity.

The LAPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying the victim and determining the cause of death. Anyone with information regarding the fire death is asked to contact LAPD Robbery Homicide Division at (213)486-6850. During non-business hours or on weekends, please contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA 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 LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.