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$50,000 reward offered for information leading to arrest of transgender woman's killer
HOLLYWOOD — A $50,000 reward was offered today for information leading to the capture of a man suspected of killing a transgender person.
Paulina Ibarra was found dead on the floor of her apartment at 939 N. Mariposa Ave. around 8 p.m. Aug. 28, and police are looking for 24-year-old Jesus Catalan.
Police today announced a reward, offered through the office of Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, in hopes of finding him, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Detectives believe at least one person entered Ibarra's home and fatally stabbed Ibarra, and the murder is being investigated as a hate crime.
"Paulina was more than my aunt — she was my friend,'' the victim's niece Maria Bueno said. "Every time I needed her she was there no matter what. She listened to me. She guided me. I loved her very much, and I accepted her for who she was. That is why I am here today before you pleading you to help us find Jesus Catalan and bring him to justice.''
Catalan, who is on parole, is considered armed and dangerous. He is Hispanic, 5 feet 9 inches and 140 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and a tattoo on his upper right arm. Police believe he is homeless and frequents the Hollywood and West Hollywood areas.
Anyone with information about Ibarra's murder or the whereabouts of Catalan was asked to call LAPD Detectives Michael Arteaga or Chris Linscomb at (213) 484-3650 or (877) LAPD-24-7.
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