Homicide Investigation at Temescal Canyon

By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, a deceased male of Guatemalan descent was found in heavy brush off Temescal Canyon Road between Pacific Coast Highway and Bowdoin Street.

A local resident discovered the body and alerted passersby, who called the Los Angeles Police Department. Officers arrived in multiple vehicles and closed off the road in both directions pending their investigation.

“The victim was found with a stab wound and pronounced dead at the scene,” LAPD Officer Drake Madison told the Palisadian-Post during an initial phone call.

On Tuesday, July 24, the LAPD held a news conference near the site. They appealed to the public for information about the victim—where he lived and worked, and who his friends were.

Lieutenant John Radtke shared the information he has about the victim and the circumstances of his death. “He was 24 years of age, found in an area about 20 yards up the hill,” Radtke began. “There are remnants of an old trail, but it’s not commonly traveled.”

Radtke continued, “His multiple injuries are consistent with homicide, and we believe that the murder did occur here [at this site].”

Speaking to the Post, Radtke expressed that the victim was not dressed like a transient, but more like a laborer. He is not believed to be associated with any gangs.

Radtke confirmed that an autopsy is pending with the Los Angeles Medical Coroner to determine the cause of death.

LAPD are in possession of two photos of the victim from “prior police contact.” It appears that a small face tattoo is visible on the more recent of the two photos. “This new tattoo could possibly be a teardrop,” Radtke said.

To conclude the conference, Radtke noted that Pacific Palisades is not a high crime area.
“This is the first homicide in the West Los Angeles area all year long,” he said.

Authorities have yet to release the name of the deceased, and Radtke emphasized that they know very little about his history in recent years.

If anyone has any information about the victim, they are urged to contact Detective Lamberti at the West Bureau Homicide Division at 213-382-9470 or 40252@lapd.online.