Two residents of Palmdale have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of an elderly man during a suspected burglary in Los Angeles’ upscale Hancock Park neighborhood, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, when officers responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing in the 100 block of North Rossmore Avenue in the Wilshire area. Upon arrival, officers found 84-year-old Gary Nelson with severe lacerations. Despite the rapid response of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Nelson, a longtime resident of the area, was well known in his community. Neighbors have expressed shock and sadness over the violent nature of the crime. “It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen in broad daylight,” said one resident. “Gary was always kind and soft-spoken. This is just heartbreaking.”
Following a swift investigation, authorities identified two suspects: 41-year-old Rolando Guardado and 45-year-old Madeline Fresia Rivas, both of Palmdale. They were located at a residence in Palmdale and taken into custody without incident by the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Metropolitan Division SWAT team. Police confirmed that a weapon believed to be linked to the murder was recovered at the time of their arrest.
The LAPD stated that the motive is believed to be burglary-related, though detectives have not yet disclosed additional details about what may have led Guardado and Rivas to the victim’s home. Officials also said it is currently unknown whether the suspects had any prior connection to Nelson, and the investigation is ongoing.
Guardado and Rivas have been booked on suspicion of murder and are currently being held without bail. The case has been submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential filing of formal charges.
The brutal nature of the crime and the age of the victim have raised concerns and calls for heightened security and awareness, even in affluent neighborhoods like Hancock Park.
“This is a devastating reminder that crime can touch anyone, anywhere,” LAPD spokesperson Sgt. Derek Johnson said. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served and urge anyone with information about this case to come forward.”
As investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the murder, residents are left mourning the loss of a man described by many as gentle and generous. Friends and neighbors have left flowers and candles outside Nelson’s home in a growing memorial.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area around the time of the crime, or who may have surveillance footage, to contact the LAPD’s West Bureau Homicide detectives.
For now, the community is left grappling with the sudden and violent loss of a beloved member, while the legal process moves forward in what police are calling a targeted and calculated attack.
