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“Person of Interest” sought in Palmdale triple homicide

by The AV Times Staff • January 17, 2018

James “Todd” Brown. View the LASD bulletin here.

PALMDALE – Authorities Wednesday named a person of interest in the killings of three family members found dead inside a home in Palmdale, each with traumatic injuries in a case investigators are calling a triple homicide.

No information has been released on what may have led to the killings, but 54-year-old James “Todd” Brown “was living on the property for at least one or two years,” according to a news release Sheriff’s Information Bureau. 

The bodies of 78-year-old Richard Gardner II, 56-year-old Pepper Gardner and 52-year-old Richard Gardner III were discovered about 3:50 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, in the 1100 block of West Avenue N-12, according to the sheriff’s department.

A family member asked for a welfare check of the home and upon entering the residence, deputies found the body of a man, then two more victims in another room, according to the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

“Detectives believe Mr. Brown may have information regarding the murders,” the sheriff’s news release states.

Also being sought is Brown’s silver 2002 Toyota pickup truck with a camper shell and the California license plate 42198C1.

“Detectives have confirmed the vehicle is registered to Mr. Brown,” the sheriff’s news release states. “Neighbors, family and friends have informed detectives that it is the vehicle Mr. Brown typically drives.”

Brown has family members and friends who live in the Inland Empire and Antelope Valley, according to the sheriff’s department.

Anyone with information that could help investigators locate Brown is urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 to speak with Sgt. Eric Arias or Detective Gail Durham.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS.

Previous related story: Victim’s ID’d in Palmdale homicide

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

5 comments for "“Person of Interest” sought in Palmdale triple homicide"

  1. YB says

    January 19, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    May justice prevail with the Gardner family. Isaiah 35: 4 Say to those who are anxious at heart: “Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your own God will come with vengeance, God will come with retribution. He will come and save you.”

  2. Alexis says

    January 18, 2018 at 5:20 am

    “Person of interest.” Term used by U.S. law enforcement when identifying someone involved in a criminal investigation who has not been arrested or formally accused of a crime. Let us hope that that due process done with integrity all the way down the line will bring justice in the end to this family.

  3. VENTURA says

    January 17, 2018 at 9:03 pm

    Richard was a good man. A hard working guy that never bother anyone, on the contrary… he made everyone’s day a positive one, he would come to our office and tell us jokes. I saw him riding his bicycle pulling his little trailer behind, going from business to business cleaning windows. I see him in Lancaster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill and other areas of the Antelope Valley. Lots of small business owner like me here in the AV are in shock and can’t believe that something like this would happen, so close to home… Rest in peace Richard and family. The business community of the Antelope Valley are praying for you.

  4. aManOfTruth says

    January 17, 2018 at 8:37 pm

    A “person of interest’??? Why do we play this game.. We know he did it, HE knows that we know… and he knows he will die in prison… look at the pic.. he’s old… The time between when he is caught and now is all the freedom he will ever have. heck I would run like hell in his shoes too…

    • aManOfTruth says

      January 17, 2018 at 9:10 pm

      But DON’T jump to conclusions.. is it possible to be screwed over so badly that you would want somebody dead? But 3 people? Ok maybe he is just a nutcase with a gun who felt he was wronged…

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