Body found in Chantry Flat identified as that of suspect in friend's slaying
A body found in Angeles National Forest with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound was identified Tuesday as that of a Huntington Beach man suspected of killing his longtime friend, authorities said.
The body of 55-year-old Kevin Wolfe Pochter was found Monday near the Chantry Flat campground a short distance from where his longtime friend, Dean Albert, 53 of Arcadia was found Thursday with multiple gunshot wounds. Albert later died from those injuries.
Investigators began searching for Pochter, an experienced hiker, over the weekend in the wilderness areas surrounding the campground. Teams combed more than 62 square miles of rugged terrain.
The case began to unfold late Thursday afternoon when authorities discovered a wounded man, later identified as Albert, lying on the side of Big Santa Anita Canyon Road with gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Los Angeles County sheriff's homicide officials said a witness found Albert's vehicle Saturday near Mt. Wilson and alerted deputies.
On Monday, a hiker reported seeing a man who he thought was sleeping. Mounted deputies found Pochter dead, a pistol near his body.
Detectives, who were still investigating the shootings, said they believed the two friends who had been close since high school had a falling out related to finances.
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Manhunt in San Gabriel mountains for man suspected in shooting death of friend
-- Andrew Blankstein
EDITOR'S PICKS:
I am very sorry this happened. My thoughts are with the families.
Posted by: claudine willis | May 04, 2011 at 07:14 AM
I guess it is safe to say, there was a motive to this camping trip. The unlucky ones,where the people who had to see the aftermath. It will never be forgotten
in there minds.! Search parties, who worked the many hours,should be "Thanked"for risking there own lives. These are the real heroes in my book.
A prayer to both families of these two guys. Wish it could have been worked out another way.
Posted by: jockeygirl | May 04, 2011 at 03:13 PM
Incredibly sad.
Posted by: Jannspotting | May 04, 2011 at 04:47 PM