Police: Realtor Killed In Downey Home Invasion Not Random
DOWNEY (CBSLA.com) — Downey police on Tuesday said they have arrested a third suspect in a home invasion that ended with the murder of a well-known local realtor they believed was targeted.
Henry Willie Sao, 28, of Long Beach, and Paul Darvis Misikei, 19, of Anaheim, were previously arrested on suspicion of murder. The third suspect arrested was a 17-year-old Anaheim resident.
Shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday, officers received a 911 call reporting a home invasion robbery in the 10300 block of Lesterford Avenue.
Upon their arrival, authorities located a 59-year-old man who was unresponsive inside of the home. Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene. His identity was not released. But neighbors identified the homeowner as longtime Downey realtor Jim Rudometkin.
A preliminary investigation revealed two suspects contacted the homeowner near the side door of the residence before they forced their way into the home.
According to police, a third suspect entered the home while the robbery was taking place.
"As officers were arriving on scene, Downey Dispatch received a report of three suspects jumping over the rear fence of the victim's residence and fleeing," said Chief Carl Charles. "Officers quickly set up a perimeter and detained [Sao and Misikei] a short distance from the house."
Detectives described the third suspect who escaped from the scene as a Pacific Islander man believed to be around 17-years-old. He has black bushy hair, is about 5-foot-8 and weighs 160 pounds. The suspect was last seen wearing a red or orange button down shirt with blue jeans and black and white tennis shoes.
The suspect vehicle has been described as a white older model, four door sedan that was driven by a male, police said.
"Further investigation gathered during this investigation points to the victim being specifically targeted by the suspects," added Charles. "We do not believe this was a random crime."
Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the Downey Police Department at (562) 904-2308 or call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
