Suspect in Skidrow Murder Identified NR10204pv

Los Angeles:  Less than twenty-four hours after Conrad Phillip, 41, was shot to death on Los Angeles Street, detectives identified Charles Colbert, 50, as the suspect in the murder.  A warrant for Colbert’s arrest was issued overnight.

“The detectives worked non-stop on this case,” said Lt. Paul Vernon.  “After viewing video footage and searching the victim’s history, we were able to tie Charles Colbert to Phillip and to the shooting.”

Detectives served a search warrant overnight at Colbert’s room at the Pershing Hotel, one block from where the murder took place.

“There was also enough probable cause for the judge to issue a warrant for Colbert’s arrest,”
Lt. Vernon said.  Colbert was not present when the search warrant was served and no weapon was found.

Colbert may also go by the name Anthony Williams.  He is Black, 5’10” tall, with a thin build and a dark complexion.  He should be considered armed and dangerous.

The Pershing Hotel is a single-room-occupancy hotel, or SRO, located at 502 South Main Street.

The shooting took place at 563 South Los Angeles Street at 5:15 AM on April 16, 2010.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Al Marengo, Central Homicide Unit, at 213-842-0727.  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.