Public help sought in two 'cold-case' murders

LOS ANGELES: During a press conference held in front of Sherman Block Sheriff's Headquarters Building in Monterey Park on June 23, 2009, Homicide Lieutenant Paul Becker asked for the public's help in solving the cold-case murders of Karen Klaas and Brenda Sierra.

The rape and strangulation murder of Karen Klaas, wife of singer/songwriter Bill Medley of "Righteous Brothers" fame, occurred in 1976 in the city of Hermosa Beach, California. 

"Detectives have created a DNA profile of the suspect from evidence collected at the scene," stated Lieutenant Paul Becker.

Fifteen year-old Brenda Sierra disappeared while on her way to school in the East Los Angeles area on October 18, 2002.  Her body was discovered the next day in the city of Crestline, California.  "By the use of new technology, those individuals responsible for this murder are known to be from an East Los Angeles street gang," stated Lieutenant Paul Becker. 

The sister of Brenda Sierra stood nearby as Lieutenant Paul Becker, the supervisor of the investigation, announced that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is offering a $150,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals involved in the murder of Brenda Sierra. 

"We need the public's help," Lieutenant Becker said, "All of our leads have been exhausted."

A composite drawing of the individual seen leaving Karen Klaas' home can be obtained through Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau, (323) 267-4800. 

India Post News Service