3rd man sought in Inglewood slayings

Inglewood police are searching for a third suspect in the September stabbing deaths of two business owners, authorities said Wednesday.

The announcement followed the arrest several weeks ago of Osman Canales, 26, and Juan Maldonado Jr., 16. Both have been charged with two counts of murder, three counts of robbery and three counts of kidnapping, Inglewood Police Capt. Eve Irvine said at a news conference. Although he is a minor, Maldonado is being charged as an adult, police said.

The charges stem from the Sept. 26 killings of Lorena Rodriguez, 48, and Joel Perez, 42, at their insurance agency in the 400 block of West Manchester Boulevard. Police discovered the bodies while responding to a robbery report at the same location.

Police identified the third suspect as Julius Laulu, 24, who is believed to be in Utah. Police believe that he may be hiding in a Samoan community in Salt Lake City, Orem or Provo. He should be considered armed and dangerous, Irvine said.

Police offered few details in the case, except to say that the two arrested men knew one of the victims in a “business manner” and that the victims were “moved around,” which led to the kidnapping charges. Police also reported that the robbery involved a third victim who was uninjured.

Police did not say what was taken from the office, but did say that the victims’ cars, which the suspects stole, were not the objects of the robbery.

Wednesday’s news conference was attended by Rodriguez’s two surviving adult children.

“[Laulu] was over 300 pounds, six-foot-six. My mother was only four-10,” said Daniel Valenzuela. “There was no excuse.”

“It should have never happened. No one deserves this,” said a teary Mireya Valenzuela, the slain woman’s daughter.

Those with information are asked to call the Inglewood police Detective Bureau at (310) 412-5246 or an anonymous hotline at (888) 412-7463.

victoria.kim@latimes.com