Man Found Shot to Death in His Ransacked Home
A 39-year-old man was found shot to death in his ransacked Van Nuys townhome Thursday evening, police said.
Los Angeles police officers found Mihran Mankian about 8 p.m. in his apartment in the 14600 block of Erwin Street after family members reported that he had not returned their calls, said Det. Roberta Moore of the LAPD Van Nuys Division.
Mankian’s body was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso, police said. Moore said the victim was discovered with a “sharp object” stuck in his back. She added that the victim was killed between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
“It looked as though someone had gone through the apartment and was looking for something,” Moore said.
Police found no evidence of forced entry to the townhome, in which they believe Mankian lived alone. Moore said the victim was known to leave his door unlocked at times.
Neighbors in the 45-unit complex were surprised by the brutality of the crime. “Nothing like this has ever happened in our building,” said longtime resident William Dance.
An investigation is continuing. Police ask anyone with information to call (818) 756-8346.
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