Robber Tries to Cover Up Fatal Stabbing of Elderly Man by Setting House on Fire
Inglewood police were searching Sunday for the assailant who fatally stabbed an elderly man in an apparent robbery, then set the man’s house on fire to cover up the crime.
Phillip Piazza, 78, died Saturday at Los Angeles County King-Drew Medical Center after being stabbed several times in the chest, according to Inglewood police.
To disguise the stabbing, the assailant is believed to have started a fire by lighting papers at the rear of Piazza’s house, located at 3541 W. 117th St., fire officials said. The blaze caused about $50,000 in damage, engulfing half the house, they said.
After being attacked, Piazza was able to crawl out of the burning house and was assisted by neighbors, police said.
Anyone with any information on the crime or the suspect is asked to contact the Inglewood Police Department at (310) 412-5246.
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