Funeral Burglar Targets Grieving Westside Family

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — Police Tuesday released video of a suspect who was recorded breaking into a Sherman Oaks home while the residents were at a funeral and investigators said they think it wasn't the first time he targeted mourning victims. Police believe he also targeted a bereaved Westside family earlier.

The suspect arrived about 2:10 p.m. on March 11 at a home in the 4500 block of Nagle Avenue, where he was first seen parking his vehicle in the driveway, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

He then walked to the front door, activating the doorbell camera, and when there was no response, he walked to the north side of the home and entered the rear yard, police said.

The man then tried unsuccessfully to open rear doors before walking to the garage door on the north side of the residence and kicking in the door, according to the LAPD.

"The suspect entered the attached garage, activating the alarm," according to a police statement. "The suspect left the location without any property and drove away in his vehicle."

The same suspect was seen committing a burglary on March 7 at a West Los Angeles home whose residents were also at a funeral, police said.

The man is described as white, 25-35 years old, about 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing around 170-180 pounds. He has dirty blonde hair and was wearing a black T-shirt, black jeans and black Nike tennis shoes during the March 11 break-in. The suspect vehicle is described as a white Mercedes- Benz four-door with tinted windows, chrome rims, a sunroof and no front plate.

Anyone with information that could help investigators identify the suspect was urged to call (818) 374-0031 to speak with Van Nuys Division Burglary Detective Diamond.

After-hours or on weekends calls should be made to (877) LAPD-24-7.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.

City News Service