Quick Arrest in Fatal Stabbing at Sylmar Birthday Party NR12495pv

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles detectives have arrested 20-year-old David Silva of Sylmar in the fatal stabbing of a 19-year-old man, who was among an estimated 50 guests at a Sylmar birthday party at 13300 block of Sayre Street.

“This latest party incident occurred in spite of deploying three police units around the Northeast Valley to monitor parties on this weekend before Halloween,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “But the police patrols wouldn’t have made a difference regardless for this incident as there had been no complaints about this party.”

On October 28 2012, around 1:30 a.m., the victim attended the birthday party as a friend of an invited guest.  The party was winding down around when an argument and fight broke out in the backyard.  When police arrived, they saw the victim lying on the walkway in front of the house, with several persons trying to render aid.

The victim died a short time later after paramedics took him to Holy Cross Hospital.

Detectives questioned less than a dozen persons who had remained at the house after the stabbing.  Detectives worked through Sunday, narrowing down the investigation to Silva, an invited guest at the party, who left before police arrived.

The birthday party had been given for a 25-year-old man whose family lives at the house.  Lt Paul Vernon explains, “This is another example of how alcohol, impulsive acts and weapons combined turn an otherwise happy occasion into a tragic circumstance changing lives forever.”     Neither Silva nor the victim had any gang ties or any significant criminal history.  

Silva was arrested booked for murder at the Van Nuys Jail.  His bail amount was not known at the time of this release.  The victim’s name will be released once his family has been notified.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Gretchen Schultz, Mission Homicide Unit, at 818-838-9951.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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.