LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a homicide of an 62-year-old woman that occurred on the sidewalk in Los Angeles. On December 22, 2014, at 6:30 p.m., police officers from Southwest Division responded to an assault investigation near the intersection of Adams Boulevard and Catalina Avenue.
Officers responding to the 911 call discovered Los Angeles resident Maria Elena Rivas suffering from a stab wound. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported Ms. Rivas to a local hospital, where she died. LAPD detectives have determined that Rivas was a robbery victim as her purse and property were missing from the scene. Earlier, Rivas was seen purchasing items from a nearby grocery store and was observed carrying a large purse and wallet. Criminal Gang Homicide detectives are investigating the murder and are asking for the public’s help to provide any information that might lead to the suspect(s) wanted for killing Ms. Rivas.
Anyone with information about this homicide is urged to contact South Bureau Criminal Gang Homicide investigators at 213-485-4341. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). 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: www.LAPDOnline.org click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.