Beating Victim Is Suspect’s Father
A man found bludgeoned to death in a Van Nuys house was identified Sunday as the father of the man arrested in the attack.
Ross DeSpenza, 71, of West Hills was found lying dead on the floor of the house in the 5900 block of Nagle Avenue about 1:50 p.m. Saturday, coroner’s investigator Debrah Kitchings said.
DeSpenza apparently died from several blows to the head, said Los Angeles Police Sgt. Wendi Massa. The exact cause of death will be determined in an autopsy scheduled for later this week.
Ross Harvey DeSpenza, 41, of Van Nuys, the dead man’s son, was arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after police discovered the body.
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