Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials renewed their appeal Tuesday for information in the unsolved 2024 stabbing death of a 50-year-old San Pedro man, offering a $15,000 reward in the case.
The reward was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in the unsolved killing of Damon Eugene Bluthenthal, authorities said.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded Dec. 29, 2024, to a parking lot at 1920 S. Acacia Ave. in Compton, where they found Bluthenthal unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Compton Fire Department paramedics.
“Evidence pointed to the fact that he was murdered at a different location and discarded at this location,” sheriff’s Lt. Steve De Jong said during a Tuesday news conference.
“Damon was described as a loving son, cousin, father, and a friend to many whose life mattered to all of them,” De Jong added.
Investigators said Bluthenthal had been reported missing from his San Pedro home five days earlier to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Harbor Division.
Detectives believe witnesses in the area may have seen the suspect or suspects, or have information that could help solve the case.
“We are hoping that someone has the courage to come forward and provide us with valuable information to solve this senseless murder and help us bring justice to Damon’s family,” De Jong said.
Jaqueline Bluthenthal, the victim’s mother, fought back tears as she spoke at the news conference.
“This has been the most difficult loss I have ever faced in my life,” she said.
“Damon was murdered, and at the hands of his killers, he suffered during his final moment. It shatters me to realize that I couldn’t help him when he needed me the most. My son was my baby boy. My only child. No mother should endure the agony of cremation or burying her child.”
She added, “Damon often expressed his unconditional love with me. I would always say, `Damon, you don’t love me.’ He would say, `Mom, I love you unconditionally.”
Unable to continue, Bluthenthal broke down in tears before composing herself and resuming her remarks.
She said the most painful part is knowing she will never again see her son or share in milestones such as watching her grandchildren grow up or attending their weddings.
Anyone with information about the killing was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS.