Suspect Arrested for Woodland Hills Murder NR14439dm

Woodland Hills:  A possible suicide investigation turns into a murder investigation.

On Wednesday, October 29, 2014, around 12:15 p.m., LAPD patrol officers assigned to Topanga Division responded to a radio call of a possible suicide in the 20200 block of Ventura Blvd.  When the officers arrived, they saw the victim, later identified as 43-year-old Edward Mello of Woodland Hills, lying on the floor of his hotel room.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at scene.

Homicide detective’s investigation revealed that the victim sustained a single gunshot wound, causing his death.  

On Tuesday, November 11, 2014, Homicide detectives arrested 34-year-old Jorge Rodriguez for the murder of Edward Mello.  Edward Mello and Jorge Rodriguez were acquaintances.  The motive of the murder is not being released at this time, pending further investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Topanga Area Homicide Detective Dave Peteque at 818-756-4869.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”