Only hours remain!

Make a monthly gift to sustain local news on the last day of our June member drive.
2,000 sustainers of 2,500 goal
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Details in DTLA Dismemberment Emerge, Reveal Kind Victim

garcia-dismemberment-lapd.jpg
Edward and Melissa Garcia (LAPD)

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

During an emotional press conference today, the LAPD's Newton Division and family members of murder victim Herbert White shared details about the crime and their lost loved one, according to a live report on KTLA. The LAPD provided photos of the suspects in White's murder, Edward Garcia, Jr., 36, and his wife, Melissa Hope Garcia, 25, who may be on their way to their home state of Pennsylvania. They also noted that they are looking into information about a similar crime in Pennsylvania that might involve the Garcias, though no one was killed in that incident.

White's dismembered body was found by a housekeeper in the couple's vacated room at Downtown's Continental Hotel. Relatives say White was a recovering alcoholic who often went out of his way to heed the calls of fellow alcoholics needing help on their path to recovery. Remarking on White's kindness, they also noted that today would have been his 50th birthday.

Anyone with information about the Garcias or the crime is asked to contact the LAPD.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today