Local News in Brief : Man Allegedly Slain by Roommate Is Identified

A34-year-old Burbank man who police say was shot to death by his roommate was identified Thursday as Richard Ostheimer, Burbank police reported.

Ostheimer died Wednesday in the kitchen of a home he had been sharing at 1601 W. Victory Blvd. with Dennis Daggett, 36, who was being held on suspicion of murder, Lt. Duane Dow said.

Police said that it appeared, based on a statement from Daggett, that Ostheimer had overstayed his welcome at the home. It had been arranged for Ostheimer to move out, but when Daggett got out of the shower Wednesday about 8 p.m., Ostheimer confronted him with a gun and began arguing about his departure, Dow said.

Based on Daggett’s statement, police said, the following chain of events occurred:

Ostheimer kept the gun, a semi-automatic pistol, pointed at Daggett for about half an hour while the two argued. During the argument, Daggett retrieved a .22-caliber revolver he had hidden in the kitchen.

When Ostheimer turned his gun away from Daggett, Daggett pointed his weapon at his roommate and shot twice when Ostheimer tried to again point his gun at him.

Ostheimer was pronounced dead at the scene.

Daggett is being held without bail at the Burbank Jail. Dow said police are unsure what charges will be brought against Daggett.