Brentwood: Richard Traweek, 65

Richard Traweek, a 65-year-old white man, was shot in the chest and killed Monday, Oct. 26, in the 11700 block of Goshen Avenue in Brentwood, authorities said.

Traweek was found fatally shot in the parking garage at his apartment complex, authorities said Tuesday, Nov. 3.

LAPD detectives were called to the building about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, and found his body on the floor of the building's subterranean parking complex with at least one gunshot wound.

They described the case as a “whodunit” with no suspect or motive, according to sources familiar with the investigation but who asked not to be named, citing the ongoing investigation.

Traweek is a former Southern California real estate syndicator — someone who puts together real estate investment partnerships — who raised $120 million from investors in 38 transactions before his empire collapsed in the mid-1980s.

—Andrew Blankstein

Follow The Homicide Report on Twitter @latimeshomicide.

Map: The location where Richard Traweek was shot. Click for the Brentwood Mapping L.A. page to learn more about the demographics of the neighborhood.

Comments

[JB]

Brentwood does not make the Homicide report too often, (or ever by my recollection), so this murder stands out. A whodunit is right. Although the Times reports on him being heavily involved in real estate back in the 80's that may not have anything to do with his murder. According to the Times, he was sued for fraud and had many legal judgments rendered against him. Again, that might not have anything to do with his murder but it does paint an interesting picture of Richard Traweek.

But this murder does not seem random. The real question is not what was he doing back in the 80's. But what was Richard Traweek doing now? What business was he in? Was it still real estate? Who knew that he lived on Goshen? Who would have access to the underground parking garage? Who would want him dead?

RIP.

[ML]

I've known Dick Traweek for just a few years, and I can say he was one of the most decent people I've ever had the opportunity to know. A kind and generous man who was always looking to give before he received. The world is a lesser place without him. If and when his killer is found, I hope that person is called to justice.