SANTA MONICA—Officials from the Santa Monica Police Department have filed murder charges against a suspect who authorities are suspected to be involved in the murder of John Hautz, 88, of Santa Monica. Charges were filed on Friday, February 23 with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Airport Division Courthouse against Roy Antonio Davis, 26, of Los Angeles.
On January 1, 2018 at about 1:04 p.m., officers responded to a radio call for service in the 2300 block of 34th Street regarding an elderly male who appeared to be unconscious inside his residence. Officers made entry into the home and discovered Hautz deceased.
“Due to the nature of the crime, I cannot provide specific information. However, I can confirm the deceased suffered traumatic injuries that led us to classifying Mr. Hautz’ death as a homicide,” Lt. Rodriguez told Canyon News via email in January. “The initial call came in from a neighbor that noticed Mr. Hautz and he appeared unconscious,” said Lt. Rodriguez.
Following detailed investigative efforts by SMPD Detectives, including forensic processing, detectives were able to link Davis to the death of Hautz. Davis was in police custody at the Los Angeles County Jail for an unrelated robbery at the time murder charges were presented against him. Lt. Rodriguez informed Canyon News that the unrelated robbery transpired in Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Police Department are handling that case.
Davis was charged with 187(a) PC – Murder; and 459 PC – Burglary. He remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office with no bail options pending court proceedings.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Leone (310) 458-8949; Detective Elias (310) 458-8943; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.
