Youth Admits Killing Friend and Stealing Car

A 16-year-old Santa Clarita youth stopped for a traffic violation near Magic Mountain told sheriff’s deputies that he had killed a friend and stolen his car, authorities said Sunday.

The youth, whose name was not released because of his age, is being held without bail at Sylmar Juvenile Hall in connection with the death of Robert G. Gudyka, 26, whose body was found Saturday in his Burbank apartment.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Watner said the youth was detained about 2:30 p.m. Saturday after he admitted killing Gudyka and stealing his Chevrolet Camaro.

Deputies pulled the youth over near McBean and Magic Mountain parkways in Valencia for an unspecified traffic violation, Watner said.

During the stop, deputies reportedly found property and identification belonging to Gudyka.

When deputies questioned the youth about how he got the car, he told them that he had killed Gudyka, Watner said.

It was unclear how Gudyka and the youth were acquainted, Watner said.

Investigators went to Gudyka’s home in the 300 block of Pass Avenue, where they found him dead, Burbank Police Officer Tim Plueger said.

An autopsy will be performed this week to determine the circumstances of Gudyka’s death, he said.

Neighbors said Gudyka moved into his second-floor apartment a few days ago.

None could recall seeing him since Friday.