Authorities Wednesday announced a $20,000 reward for help in solving the beating death of a zip tied Llano widower in his wheelchair during an apparent home invasion robbery 15 months ago.
Glen Brittner, 59, who lived alone and used a wheelchair in the small Antelope Valley town along the Pearblossom Highway, was found the morning of Aug. 18, 2015, at his home, which also served as his business office, in the 26200 block of East Avenue W-8.
His property had been ransacked and his hands and feet bound with zip ties. He was bleeding from a head injury.
An employee arriving for work at the home-centered company, which provided water to construction companies, discovered Brittner suffering from his injuries. The USC graduate was in a coma for 10 days before he died.
At a news conference at the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, Derek Brittner appealed for public help in finding out who killed his father, who was known to befriend people and provide meals and drinks for them.
“Not a day goes by without him in our thoughts. It is important to our family and friends to know who did this to him,” he said.
The victim’s 23-year-old son added: “It’s unfortunate to all of us that he doesn’t get to see our family grow …,” noting that his second child is due to be born on Christmas Day. He said his dad loved being a grandfather to his firstborn child, who is now 3 years old.
Detectives believe at least two suspects were involved in the crime, in which $2,000 was stolen, along with television sets and power tools. There was no sign of forced entry into the residence.
“It’s totally unwarranted (that) this man suffered a terrible and tragic death,” said sheriff’s Detective Joe Espino. “That shouldn’t occur. It was not worth the cost of a human life.”
The reward was offered by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Anyone with information on the crime was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
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–City News Service