Murder suspect sought

The Los Angeles County Sheriff‘s Department is seeking help from the public in identifying the suspect in a Monday night murder (Dec. 12) of a father of three young children just outside the Arcadia city limits south of Live Oak Avenue east of Santa Anita Avenue.

Victim Jose Parra was shot and killed inside his residence in the unincorporated area of Arcadia at approximately 8 p.m.

The suspect is described as a 30-35 year-old male Hispanic, light complexion, 5’7”, 150 lbs., thin build, black hair, brown eyes, wearing dark clothing, a black hoodie sweatshirt and a bandaid under his eye. See sketch at right.

Shortly after 8 p.m. Monday, the family was returning to their home on the 11000 block of Kristi Court when they were surprised by an armed light-skinned Hispanic man who had apparently been lying in wait.

As the family entered the garage of the residence, the man approached the family, pointed a hand gun at them and demanded money. Fearing for their safety, the victims gave the gunman the only money they had in their possession, their rent money.

Determined they had more money inside the house, the gunman demanded entry and ordered the family into their residence. Once inside the residence, the gunman directed the mother and her two sons, ages three and five, as well as their six-year-old daughter into a bedroom. The victims were instructed to shut the door and not to exit the room.

The gunman then gave the father more commands for cash and, shortly thereafter, several gunshots were heard by the family. They exited the room and found the male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect left the residence prior to the family finding the victim.

Homicide investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau as soon as possible. Call Detective B. Schoonmaker or Detective T. O’Quinn at the Homicide Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 323-890-5500.

Case file number is: 011-14781-0585-011.

You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-tips (8477) or www.lacrimestoppers.org or text “TIPLA” plus your tip to 274637 or CRIMES.

— By Scott Hettrick