Nighttime Attempt Murder

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, April 4, 2000

"Nighttime Attempt Murder"

West Valley – On Tuesday, April 4, 2000 at approximately 2:30 A.M., an Attempt Murder occurred in the 5800 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Two male victims, Charles Powell and John Powell, were sleeping in their beds when they were awakened by someone opening their bedroom window. Three masked suspects entered the location and repeatedly struck the victims with baseball bats. A third female victim, Debra Powell, hearing the noise, went to the bedroom to inquire. At this time, the suspects stuck her in the face with a bat. The suspects, armed with knives, stabbed the two male victims. The suspects then fled from the location.

All three victims were transported to a local hospital where Charles Powell underwent emergency surgery and is currently in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit. John & Debra Powell are currently being treated for their injuries, which are not life-threatening.

The motive for this crime is under investigation, but it is believed that a connection exists between one of the victims and one or more of the suspects.

West Valley Robbery Detectives are currently investigating this case. For additional information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

For Release 5:30 am PDT
April 4, 2000