Transient Omar Armando Loera Sought as Suspect in Cheree's Murder

 Omar Armando Loera—described by police as a transient with a criminal history who lived in the Studio City and Valley Village area for years—is the man named as the sole suspect in connection with the brutal stabbing of 34-year-old Cheree Osmanhodzic at her Valley Village apartment on July 24.

In a dramatic press conference that ended about noon Tuesday at the North Hollywood Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, Cheree's parents gasped and broke down in tears when the description of the suspect revealed that he was born on the exact same date, Dec. 10, 1975, as their daughter.

"He was born on her birthday," sobbed mother Gail Cameron, as the suspect's description was read to the media at the press conference. Friends of the victim who were seated in the audience broke down in tears.

North Hollywood Lt. Alan Hamilton, who led the investigation, said that the community helped in many ways (that he could not yet detail) in identifying the suspect and added that he is asking for help now. Police had the identity of Loera for five days but decided to ask for public help after they couldn't locate him for an arrest in connection with the murder.

"DNA evidence also will play a role in this," Hamilton said. "This has been a difficult case because of the brutal nature of the crime."

Loera is described as having brown eyes and black hair, weighing about 170 pounds and standing 5-foot, 9-inches tall. He has elaborate tattoos of Aztec women on both shoulders and also goes by the name of Arturo Benitez and "Taz."

At about 7 p.m. on July 24, Cheree's fiance, Adam Culvey, came home to their apartment in the 11500 block of Riverside Drive and saw a suspect inside their residence. Police said the suspect was chased several blocks through the neighborhood but got away. When Culvey returned to the apartment, it was in flames and Cheree was found dead.

In an interview after Tuesday's press conference, Hamilton told Patch that there was no evidence of sexual assault and that Cheree died of "multiple fatal stab wounds." He said there was no evidence of a break-in and no evidence of her being stalked, nor was robbery involved. He said the victim and suspect did not know each other.

Loera has family members in Fresno, CA, and has lived in the North Hollywood area in recent years. He also has a criminal record of five prior convictions, including transporting methamphetamine and assault with a deadly weapon; he was on parole for a robbery in North Hollywood Park.

"It is a possibility that he is still in the area," Hamilton said about the man who is known to collect bottles and cans for money. "He is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached."

Also attending the press conference were other members of Cheree's family and Los Angeles  City Councilmember Paul Krekorian; North Hollywood Division Commander  Capt. Justin Eisenberg, Capt. Duane Hayakawa and others involved in the investigation.

Councilman Krekorian issued a stern warning: "Two months ago a precious life was taken from us in a crime that rocked the entire community . . .  . Now we have some good news that a suspect has been identified, and we must band together as a community. For Mr. Omar Armando Loera, I want to say, 'It doesn't matter how far you run, we know who you are, and we will come after you.' And anyone who shelters this man or gives him comfort, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Krekorian was instrumental in getting a $50,000 reward for anyone who helped find the killer—and that reward money includes family members.

Cheree's father, Mike Cameron--wearing his U.S. Marines shirt--said he was thankful for the community support he and his family have received, including his buddies at Camp Pendleton, where he teaches martial arts.

"I wish I was alone in a room for five minutes with this guy," he told Patch. "I'd even give him the first punch." The stoic strong man broke down in tears and added, "I was supposed to give her away, and instead we had to bury her."

Anyone with any information on Loera should call (818) 623-4016 .

Check out Patch for more information about the investigation, the press conference and comments from family.