Deputies Seek Clues in Elderly Couple’s Slaying

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials remained tight-lipped Wednesday as they searched for clues in the deaths of an elderly couple found shot to death in their home.

George Chapin, 87, was shot numerous times, and his bedridden wife, Pauline Chapin, 77, was shot once, authorities said. Investigators found no gun or signs of forced entry at their residence, in the 28000 block of East Palos Verdes Drive. Sheriffs officials said they do not believe any of the wounds were self-inflicted.

The couple, who had lived in the house for nearly 50 years, were last seen alive by their caretakers Monday evening. The nurses discovered the bodies Tuesday.

A friend of the Chapins for 60 years said they were seriously ill. “They were completely helpless. She was recovering from a stroke. He had had spinal surgery,” said the woman, who asked not to be identified.

She described the Chapins as generous. She recalled how, when adopting their first child in 1945, they couldn’t choose between babies, so they returned home with two children instead of one.

Sam Slavik, who lived two doors down from the Chapins, said their death was the first violent incident in the neighborhood in the 21 years he’s lived there.