WOODLAND HILLS—On Tuesday, August 2, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department officers from the Topanga region responded to a call of a body, possible burglary, and possible arson at 20800 Martha Street. Upon arrival, officers found evidence of forced entry.
The charred remains of the victim was found in the bedroom, partially lying on the floor. The victim was later identified as 81-year-old, Ok Ja Kim. The LAFD pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Reports indicate that the victim’s family went to the home after not hearing from Kim and called 911 after discovering her body.
Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD), LAPD Robbery Division, and LAPD Valley Bureau Homicide Division also responded to the call.
“It’s generally a quiet neighborhood, upper middle class, so a crime like this that’s violent is pretty unusual for this neighborhood,” said LAPD Detective Sharon Kim.
Homicide detectives is asking for the public’s help in this case. Anyone with any details on is asked to call LAPD Valley Bureau Homicide Detective Steve Castro at (818) 374-1925 or after hours and on weekends call 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anonymous callers are urged to call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org and click on Anonymous Web Tips.
