Body found in Angeles National Forest identified as that of man sought in slaying of his friend
A body found in Angeles National Forest with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound was identified Tuesday as that of a Huntington Beach man suspected of killing his longtime friend, authorities said.
The body of 55-year-old Kevin Wolfe Pochter was found Monday near the Chantry Flat campground a short distance from where his longtime friend, Dean Albert, 53, of Arcadia was found Thursday with multiple gunshot wounds. Albert later died from those injuries.
Investigators began searching for Pochter, an experienced hiker, over the weekend in the wilderness areas surrounding the campground. Teams combed more than 62 square miles of rugged terrain.
Investigators began their manhunt shortly after responding to a call about 5:40 p.m. Thursday, when a passerby came upon Albert on the side of Big Santa Anita Canyon Road, south of Chantry Flat. Authorities believe Pochter left the scene in Albert’s car, a silver 1993 BMW sedan.
The car was spotted Saturday about 11 a.m. in the parking lot of Mt. Wilson Observatory. Pochter was last seen in the mountains above Arcadia and Monrovia.
On Monday, a hiker reported seeing a man who he thought was sleeping. Mounted deputies found Pochter dead, a pistol near his body.
Detectives, who were still investigating the shootings, said they believed the two friends had been close since high school and had a falling out related to finances.
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