NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — A woman was found brutally murdered in a local park early last Tuesday morning. On March 20, 2012 at 2:20 a.m., North Hollywood Patrol officers were called to the South Weddington Park baseball field in the 10600 block of Valleyheart Drive to investigate an assault with a deadly weapon radio call. When they arrived they found a female victim, 32-year-old Patrina Sabella of Rosamond, who appeared to be suffering from multiple stab wounds. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the victim dead at scene. The exact cause and manner of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
North Hollywood Area Homicide detectives worked throughout the day following up on information that was developed through an exhaustive investigation of the crime scene, community input, and witness statements. With the information gathered, detectives were led to the City of Burbank were they arrested 26-year-old Stephen Joanou, Jr. for the murder of Sabella. Joanou was booked into the LAPD Valley Jail and is being held on $1 million bail. Anyone with information about this victim, the suspect, or any circumstances surrounding this incident is asked to contact North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4075. 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) or send a text to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) beginning with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips.”