A man was in custody Thursday on suspicion of stabbing his father-and-son neighbors at an apartment complex in Van Nuys in an attack that left the older victim dead, police said.
The double stabbing occurred about 10:50 p.m. Wednesday in the 15000 block of Vanowen Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Martin Quinonez, 24, of Van Nuys was booked on suspicion of murder and was being held on $2 million bail, police said.
Jesus Delatorre, 51, died at a hospital, and his 31-year-old son, whose name was not released, was hospitalized in critical but stable condition, police said.
“Officers … discovered that the suspect, without provocation, approached his neighbors’ apartment and attempted to force entry,” an LAPD statement alleges. “The suspect, armed with a large knife, attempted to force his way into the victims’ apartment (and) the (younger) victim sustained life-threatening sharp-force injuries during the struggle.
“While the victim and the suspect were struggling at the door, the victim’s father attempted to come to his aid,” police said. “The suspect attacked him, as well, stabbing and cutting him numerous times.”
A motive for the attack was not disclosed.