Woman Killed, Suspect Surrendered to Authorities NR11273rh

Los Angeles:  Early this morning the suspect told police that he killed his girlfriend.

On Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at around 8:30 a.m., the suspect, later identified as 58-year-old David Pearson, walked into Topanga Area Community Police Station and told police officers at the front desk that he had killed his girlfriend in their apartment, located in the 9200 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Officers were dispatched to the apartment where they found 62-year-old Kristen Hyde dead inside the apartment.  Detectives believe she was strangled and determined Pearson was involved in the crime.

Pearson was arrested and booked into Valley Jail Section for killing Hyde.  He is being held on $1,000,000.00 bail.  The motive for the crime is under investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Topanga Homicide Detectives N. Pikor or B. Pogue 818-756-4820.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  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.