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News

Update: Suspect in Violent Hollywood Murder Not Found Yet

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Detectives are still searching for Christopher Francis Scarano,19, who is the prime suspect in the Sunday murder of his adopted mother, 69-year-old Erika Scarano. "It's our best guess we think he might be Hollywood. He always used a skateboard as a means of transportation," explained Detective Wendy Berndt, supervisor at Hollywood Homicide, over the phone. She believes it won't be long before Scarano surfaces because of his mental health. "He has anger issues," Berndt said, noting that police had responded to the home before. "The method of the murder was very violent and explosive. the sooner we get him in custody, the sooner we'll feel the Hollywood community will be safer." A tip left in LAist's comment section yesterday did not turn up any leads, but detectives were thankful to the reader.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Hollywood Homicide Detectives Small or Illig, at (213) 972-2910. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD. Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website, www.lapdonline.org. All tips may remain anonymous.

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