Unidentified Murder Victim Found in Wash NR12064kr

February 10, 2012

Updated:  As of Friday, February 10, 2012, Valerio Guerrero, a male Hispanic, 46 years of age, has been arrested and booked for the murder of Antonio Betras-Lopez.  The murder occurred on Saturday, February 4, 2012, in the Tujunga Wash south of Victory Boulevard. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office on Monday morning, February 13, 2012.  There are no outstanding suspects.

February 5, 2012

***ADDITIONAL***

Detectives wish to remind the public that the suspect(s) in this case are still on the loose.  They are asking that citizens using the pathways along the Tujunga Wash between Victory Boulevard and Oxnard Boulevard use caution, and report any suspicious activity they observe there.  When possible use the paths only during daylight hours and refrain from walking alone.

Los Angeles:  A man found stabbed to death Saturday evening remains unidentified.

On February 4, 2012, at around 6:50 p.m., Van Nuys Patrol Units received a radio call of a death investigation along the east side of the Tujunga Wash, south of Victory Boulevard.  When they arrived they found a Hispanic man, 25- to 30-years of age; the victim of a stabbing.  He appeared to be a homeless person who was living in the area.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics pronounced the man dead at scene.  He had no identification and his identity is not yet known.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Van Nuys Homicide Detectives, Detective Robert Bub at 818-374-0040.  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.