At-Large Grandson Named As Suspect In 78-Year-Old Woman's Slaying

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —  Authorities on Friday named a suspect in the slaying of a 78-year-old Lake Terrace woman found bludgeoned to death in her home.

The Los Angeles Police Department says Joseph "Joey" Kushner, in his 30s, is believed to have killed his grandmother Armida Custodio.

Police are hoping the public can lead them to Kushner.

Custodio's body was discovered about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday by officers conducting a welfare check at her single-family home in the 11300 block of Terra Vista Way, according to the LAPD.

"Joseph ... has not been seen by the family since May 2," a police statement said. "Joseph was living with his grandmother at the time of the murder."

RELATED LINK: 78-Year-Old Woman Found Bludgeoned To Death Inside Lake View Terrace Home

Homicide detectives say Custodio suffered fatal blunt force trauma inside the home.

At a Friday afternoon news conference, police also said Kushner was schizophrenic.

His father said Kushner has a bus pass and likes to ride buses and trains to get aeound.

"I'm very worried. Joey, I love you. Please come home. I'd like to talk to you. Please," said his father, Steven Kushner.

Police also said Joseph Kushner is known to carry weapons. They told CBS2's Jeff Nguyen that if you see Kushner don't get close but to give them a call as soon as possible.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call LAPD Detective Dave Peteque at (818) 374-1934. After-hours or weekend calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

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