A man arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence in a North Hollywood attack is now facing a murder charge after a 27-year-old North Hills woman died at a hospital, authorities said Tuesday.
Officers responded around 4:40 p.m. Saturday to the 12900 block of Willard Street, near Roscoe Boulevard and the Hollywood (170) Freeway, where a female victim was discovered with major head trauma, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Paramedics took the woman to a hospital, where she was listed in grave condition and was pronounced dead Monday.
Detectives determined after further investigation that the suspect, Edgar Gutierrez of Panorama City, and the victim had been dating for approximately two years and were involved in an altercation outside a residence.
Gutierrez entered a nearby vehicle while the victim stood near the driver’s side door before attempting to drive away as the woman clung to the car, police said. Gutierrez allegedly then accelerated as he went through several residential streets to violently maneuver the vehicle and force the woman off the car.
The woman was ultimately thrown from the vehicle and struck the pavement as Gutierrez fled the scene, police said.
Investigators from the Burbank Police Department executed a search warrant Sunday, where they located Gutierrez around 12:15 p.m. and took him into custody without further incident.
He was booked at the LAPD Valley Jail on suspicion of attempted murder with bail set at $1 million. According to police, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against Gutierrez on Tuesday.
Anyone with additional information about the case was urged to contact the LAPD Operation Valley Bureau Homicide Division at 818-374-9550. Calls during non-business hours or weekends should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.