Tips Sought in Probe of 2000 Killing

Frustrated in their yearlong effort to catch a suspected killer who may still live near the scene of the crimes, Los Angeles Police Department detectives appealed for public help Wednesday, offering an additional reward for information related to the case.

Timothy Joseph McGhee, 29, is wanted in the killing of Margie Mendoza, 25, on Nov. 9, 2000. The slaying took place in Atwater Village, just across the Los Angeles line from the intersection of San Fernando Road and Chevy Chase Drive in Glendale.

McGhee is also wanted for questioning in a triple homicide in the area Aug. 8, 2001, in which Bryham Robinson, 38; Cheri Wisotsky, 46; and her mother, Mary Ann Wisotsky, 64, were killed.

Detectives believe that McGee still frequents the neighborhood.

The department added $5,000 to an offer for information on McGee’s whereabouts, bringing the reward total to $55,000.

Robin Wisotsky, daughter-and sister-in-law of two of the victims, said relatives eagerly await McGhee’s capture.

The victims “were in their own neighborhood, among their own neighbors, and they were executed by neighbors,” she said. “We just plead that some of those neighbors will come forward.”

McGhee is described as white, 5-foot-11, weighing about 190 pounds and having brown eyes. He has the local gang name tattooed on his back, its initials on his stomach and the letters “NELA” behind his left ear.

Information can be provided anonymously, in writing, or by calling the LAPD at (213) 847-4261 or (213) 485-2563.