Man suspected in deadly Van Nuys stabbing turns self in

A 25-year-old man turned himself in to police Sunday in connection with a fatal stabbing in a Van Nuys apartment complex, police said.

Accompanied by a pastor, Ezekiel Dear walked into a South Los Angeles police station and was interviewed by homicide detectives about the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Michael Vash Payne, said Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Neil Wank.

Payne, who was also known as Yazmin, was found with multiple stab wounds to the torso on the kitchen floor of an apartment complex in the 14600 block of Saticoy Street. Paramedics pronounced Payne dead at the scene.

Los Angeles firefighters had forced entry into the apartment in response to a fire burning inside. A blaze set in a back bedroom was quickly extinguished.

Police said the murder weapon was recovered at the scene. Detectives expected to arrest Dear on murder charges later Sunday evening, Wank said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the LAPD Van Nuys detective desk at (818) 374-0040. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477), text the number 274637 and begin the text message with “LAPD,” or go to www.ladponline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”

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