Stepson of Slain Hospital Worker Arrested in Oregon

The stepson of a Burbank woman found slain this week in her parked car was arrested Thursday by police in Portland, Ore.

Timothy Chavira, 23, of Burbank was held for questioning by Burbank police detectives who are investigating the death of Laurie Anne Chavira, 48.

The woman’s body was discovered Tuesday in the trunk of her car, parked at Frederic Street and Empire Avenue, about a mile from her home.

Chavira was arrested on a probable cause warrant issued by Burbank authorities, Portland Police Sgt. Gabe Kalmanek said. Chavira was seized shortly after noon as he drove through north Portland, Kalmanek said.

Burbank Police Sgt. Frank Reilman said Chavira was detained for questioning about his stepmother’s slaying.

“We had information he could be in that area,” Reilman said.

The victim, who was a switchboard operator at St. Joseph Medical Center, was last seen alive Aug. 22. Her car was found by Burbank police shortly after noon Tuesday.

Authorities said the badly decomposed body was positively identified through dental charts Thursday. The cause of death has not been determined.

Burbank Police Lt. Duane Dow said there was no sign of a forced entry or struggle in the woman’s home and nothing appeared to have been taken.