Suspect accused of killing grandmother with BBQ fork identified

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A 22-year-old man was arrested on murder charges after he allegedly stabbed his grandmother to death, apparently with a barbecue fork, Los Angeles police said.

The suspect, identified as Joe Calderon, was raised by his grandparents and stabbed his grandmother at their Mission Hills home Sunday morning, according to Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Paul Vernon, who called the incident ‘especially sad and tragic’ in a statement.

Investigators believe Calderon fought with his grandparents Saturday night and, after his grandfather went to work Sunday, again argued with his grandmother, Vernon said. This time, the suspect allegedly began beating his grandmother, who called her daughter for help.

When the daughter arrived at the home in the 11100 block of Rincon Avenue, Calderon ‘confronted her’ outside the home ‘with a long metal stick,’ Vernon said. She went around the corner and called police about 9 a.m.

Responding officers detained Calderon, whom Vernon said had blood on his hands.

The grandmother was found dead in the kitchen, Vernon said. Her name has not been released, though authorities described her as a woman in her 70s.

Vernon said investigators found several possible weapons at the scene, including the barbecue fork that ‘appeared to have blood on the prongs.’ Forensic tests will be conducted to determine if the utensil was in fact the murder weapon, he added.

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