Watch CBS News

Suspect Arrested In Case Of Body Found In Backyard

PICO RIVERA (CBS) — Sheriff's investigators have arrested a murder suspect at a motel near Beverly and Rosemead Boulevards in Pico Rivera.

KNX radio is reporting that the suspect is the man wanted in connection with the discovery of a body found buried in the backyard of a home in Lennox.

Detectives have been searching for Marcos Lomeli, 26, in connection with the case.

LA County's Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter confirmed that the body of an adult male was found in Lomeli's backyard.

The body is likely that of James Stein, 53, who owned the house. Stein has been missing for several months. His wife, Gabriela, was reported missing about the same time.

Officials called off the search in the backyard Wednesday because of heavy rains.

Meanwhile, what officials are calling an "obvious" arson fire was reported at the same home Wednesday evening.

Authorities are on scene investigating this latest twist in the case.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.