Devonshire Murder Suicide NR19248ml

Northridge: The Los Angeles Police Department Valley Bureau Homicide is investigating a Murder Suicide that left three dead in Northridge.

On September 11, 2019, around 9:00 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department Devonshire Area Patrol Officers responded to 9600 block of Vanalden Avenue for an Assault with a Deadly Weapon Shots Fired call. When officers arrived, they discovered three dead inside the residence. All sustained fatal gunshot wounds. A lone survivor was discovered across the street at a neighbor’s residence.

The investigation ultimately revealed that 60-year-old Eric Lertzman, had shot and killed his wife Sandra in their master-bedroom. He then walked across the hall where he attempted to shoot a female adult. She escaped and locked herself in the hallway bathroom.

Eric then shot and killed his 19-year-old son, Michael. During this time, the female adult escaped through the bathroom window and ran to a neighbor’s residence. Eric returned to the master-bedroom where he turned the weapon on himself, ending his own life.

The motive behind this tragic murder/suicide is still under investigation, but investigators believe the recent loss of a loved one and on-going health issues played significant roll.

The identity of the surviving victim is being withheld.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Maokley, Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-1975. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.