WOODLAND HILLS—Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department have apprehended a suspect in the murder of Edward Mello, 43, of Woodland Hills. Officials originally suspected that the victim had committed suicide, but further investigating revealed that the victim was murdered.
On October 29, at around 12:15 p.m. LAPD patrol officers from the Topanga Division responded to a radio call of a possible suicide in the 20200 block of Ventura Blvd. Upon arriving on the scene, police found Mello lying on the floor in his hotel room.
Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim dead on the scene. Detective’s revealed that Mello suffered a single gunshot wound that led to his death. On November 11, homicide detectives arrested Jorge Rodriguez, 34, for Mello’s murder.
Authorities have devised that both Mello and Rodriguez were acquaintances. Investigators are not yet releasing a motive for the murder as the case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Topanga Area Homicide Detective Dave Peteque at 818-756-4869. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”
