Absconded parolee named prime suspect in slaying of Valley Village woman

A parolee who received an early release from state prison for armed robbery was identified by police detectives Tuesday as the prime suspect in the fatal stabbing of a Valley Village woman whose home was set on fire.

Omar Armando Loera, 34, who served 23 months of a 32-month prison sentence, is wanted in the slaying of Chere Osmanhodzic, 34, whose fiance returned home to the 11500 block of Riverside Drive on July 24 and confronted a stranger, whom he chased down the street for several blocks.

When he returned, the home was ablaze, and firefighters eventually found Osmanhodzic dead inside from multiple stab wounds.

In July, Los Angeles police announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in Osmanhodzic's slaying, and released surveillance video they believed showed the suspect.

But it was DNA and other unspecified evidence found at the scene that provided the break in the case, said Lt. Alan Hamilton of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Most recently, Loera served 23 months in connection with the 2008 robbery. He eventually was convicted for carrying a concealed knife and had multiple prior convictions.

Loera was released Feb. 12 from Calapatria state prison and was due to report to a parole agent in Frenso but did not show up.

He was classified as a "parolee at large," meaning he had absconded from his parole officer, authorities said.

Hamilton said it was not immediately clear whether Loera was still in Southern California or had fled to another jurisdiction or country, most likely Mexico.

The reasons for Loera's release and parole status were not immediately available. Detectives said Osmanhodzic's killing appeared to be a random act.

Officials with the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said they expect to file charges later Tuesday.

-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Omar Armando Loera. Credit: Los Angeles Police Department

Comments

[Astonished]

Absconded from early release. Why am I not surprised!

[Jeff]

I know people will make an issue about this guy being released "early." But getting only 32 months for armed robbery is the real source of tragedy.
There are thousands of people in prison for decades for far lesser crimes, mostly drug related.
Armed robbery and assualt indicates a willingness to commit murder. But the court had to wait for this guy to prove his willingness once and for all. What a shame of shames. It is time for amnesty. Amnesty for those in prison for use and possession of drugs, to free up space for the permanent internment of armed robbers, murderers, violent rapists and child molesters.

[steveg68]

I hope all you opinionators out there who were implying in posts on previous related stories that the boyfriend perpetrated this crime apologize to him and his family. Oh yeah, he had a concealed knife, and most likely was illegal (doesn't really give all the details in the article does it?) . Where are all the Westlake Village anarchist protesters now? They're probably camping outside of central lock up holding vigil for this guys release.

[Avril]

This is truly heart breaking. And that the fiance came upon the scene of his love being killed. Both the killer and the victim were 34 y/o , how ironic they came into the world in the same year and how he took her from this world , for what!!! How dare he...

[Binks]

No doubt in Mexico or beyond by now. Tragic.

[scorpiogirl10]

Nicely said steveg68!

[Appalled]

I have a very hard time believing that this couldn't have been brougt to light earlier. Especially since people in the area have been frightened for months that there is a killer on the loose and it turns out that there apprently is after all. More information would be helpful.

[Mike]

I hope the Mayor is proud of his ongoing maintenance of a sanctuary city leading to a continuum of horrible crimes such as this. And you wonder why our neighbors in Arizona are crying out for control of our borders. All our Mayor and City Council can do is rally for a boycott of the state striving to rid their communities of detritus such as Loera, an absconded parolee to boot. And I am sure if we locate Loera in Mexico, their ever-complaining President will do everything he can to block any type of extradition.