Police Seek Public’s Help in Finding Slaying Suspect

Police are asking the public’s help to find a Van Nuys man accused of killing a woman whose body was found in a burning car on a San Fernando Valley freeway three weeks ago.

Donald Lewis Brooks Jr. was charged Friday with the murder of 32-year-old Lisa Kerr of Van Nuys, said Lt. Rick Papke of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Division.

Kerr’s body was found March 24 in the back seat of a burning car in Arleta, near the Roscoe Boulevard exit of the Hollywood Freeway.

According to Papke, Brooks and Kerr had been romantically linked, although the relationship had recently ended. Papke said Brooks allegedly stalked Kerr after the two split and that he had physically abused her during the relationship.

A relative of Brooks, who asked not to be identified, denied the abuse allegations Monday and said Brooks was not involved in Kerr’s death. The relative said Brooks’ family has not heard from the 33-year-old since Kerr was found. “We fear he may not be alive right now,” the relative said.

Police said they have been investigating Brooks as a possible suspect since finding Kerr’s body.

Police describe Brooks as a white male, approximately 5 feet, 7 inches, weighing about 160 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes. Brooks also has a lightning bolt tattoo on his right forearm, according to Papke, and operated his own plumbing business, Lightning Bolt Rooter Co. in Van Nuys.

Police ask anyone with information to call (818) 834-3115.