South Bay : Mexican Help Sought in Hunt for Suspect in Artist’s Slaying
Sheriff’s homicide investigators have contacted Mexican authorities, seeking help in tracking down the companion of a 72-year-old Manhattan Beach artist who was recently found slain in his home.
Roberto Lopez, 27, is believed to have fled to an unspecified location in Mexico after the beating death of Lester Hunter, whose body was found on the floor of his home Jan. 14.
Lopez, who reportedly had lived with Hunter on and off for seven years and helped the older man fashion sculpture out of seashells and minerals, is the prime suspect in the death and apparent robbery, Sgt. Fred Ortiz said Tuesday.
A number of valuable items were reported missing from the home after a friend discovered Hunter’s body. The victim appeared to have been dead several days and have suffered a blow to the head with a heavy object.
Ortiz confirmed that local investigators have contacted Mexican authorities for assistance in the case.
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