Person of Interest Sought in Murder of East Hollywood Resident NR09454rf

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is seeking the public’s help in locating a person of interest who may have been at the scene of a murder in East Hollywood.

On August 28, 2009, at around 8 p.m., LAPD Rampart Division officers responded to a radio call of a person screaming at 939 North Mariposa Avenue in East Hollywood.  Officers discovered the victim, Paulina Ibarra, deceased on the floor of her apartment.  The suspect(s) had apparently entered the victim’s apartment and engaged in a physical confrontation, resulting in the victim being stabbed to death.  The suspect(s) then left in an unknown location and have not yet been identified.

However, a person of interest is being sought.  This person is believed to have been at the scene of the crime and is identified as 24-year-old Jesus Catalan (also known as Brian Nanes or Luis Santiago), a male Hispanic, five feet nine inches tall, 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.  He has a tattoo of an unknown figure on his upper right arm.

To view a flier that accompanies this release that depicts the suspect and his tattoo click here.

Catalan is a parolee at large, and considered armed and dangerous. 

LAPD Rampart Division Homicide Unit detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating him.  He is believed to be homeless and frequents the Hollywood and East Hollywood areas.

Anyone with information about this crime or the person of interest is asked to call Detectives Michael Arteaga or Chris Linscomb, Rampart Detective Division, at 213-484-3650.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.