GRIFFITH PARK—Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department have apprehended a suspect connected to a 2012 unsolved cold case murder.

On January 12, 2012, LAPD officials discovered a human body in Griffith Park near the famous Hollywood sign; two women who had been walking their dogs in the area found the body and immediately contacted police.

A week later, on January 19, 2012, officials were able to identify the body as missing person, Hervey Coronado Medellin, 66, of Los Angeles.

In July 2012, the LAPD offered a $50,000 reward to anyone with information that would lead to Medellin’s muderer’s arrest; meanwhile, robbery-homicide detectives proceeded with their investigation. 

LAPD robbery-homicide detectives with help from the San Antonio Police Department arrested 38-year-old Gabriel Campos Martinez in connection to the 2012 murder On Sunday, March 9.

Gabriel Campos Martinez.
Gabriel Campos Martinez.

Martinez was arrested in San Antonio, Texas and is currently being held in lieu $1 million bail and awaiting extradition proceedings.

Deputy District Attorney Bobby Grace of the Major Crimes Division indicated that Martinez and Medellin were roommates. The suspect was charged on March 10, 2014 with one count of murder by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.

According the District Attorney’s Office, a felony complaint indicates that the victim was murdered on or about December 27, 2011.

The corner’s report indicates that the victim died from asphyxiation. If convicted Martinez could spend 25 years to life in prison. Jane Robison, Senior Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office told Canyon News via email that she was unable to comment on a possible motive for the murder at the time. 

Robbery Homicide Detectives are handling the investigation.  All questions should be directed to LAPD Media Relations Section at (213) 486-5910. 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.”