Suspect detained in Hollywood Hills slaying

A homeless man is awaiting extradition in connection with the slaying of a Canadian actor inside a Hollywood Hills home last month, police said.

The suspect’s name was not released. He is thought to have no local criminal history, but was involved in a prior assault case outside of Los Angeles County, said LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman.

Richard Hong, 41, was found dead Sept. 23 in a residence rented to Canadian TV personality George Stroumboulopoulos. Hong had apparently been staying in the residence.

The coroner’s office described the cause of death as head trauma.

LAPD Capt. Cory Palka took to Twitter Monday night to announce that an arrest had been made relating to the incident.

“As a result of the evidence obtained that the suspect left at scene, as a result of cameras that the community had, they were able to track him down and make an arrest,” Palka told KABC-TV.

Police said the case began when officers received a call about 2:15 a.m. on Sept. 23 about a burglary in progress in the 6700 block of Milner Road. When the officers arrived, they found Hong dead at the scene.

Stroumboulopoulos, the renter of the residence, said he was in New York at the time.

“The victim is a dear friend of mine, who was staying at my place while I was away,” he said in a statement. “I am heartbroken.”

Staff writer Veronica Rocha contributed to this report.

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