Full Notification

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau Detectives have issued a Murder Warrant for James “Todd” Brown, who is wanted in the Triple Murder of a family in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County near Palmdale. The victims were located on the 1100 block of West Avenue N-12, Saturday, January 13, 2018, at approximately 3:50 p.m. 

Investigators have learned that the suspect, James “Todd” Brown, lived on the victim’s property in a trailer for approximately 2 years while doing odd jobs for the victims, as well as in town.

It appears that the suspect and victims got into a dispute that escalated to murder. Suspect Brown is described as a male White, 54 years-old, 6’00” tall, 265lbs, with brownish gray hair and brown eyes. He might be driving a 2002 Silver Toyota Tacoma Pick-up truck with camper shell, license #42198C1, CA.

Suspect Brown was formerly listed as a Person of Interest by detectives, however, based on evidence collected and information obtained by investigators, they have now listed him as the murder suspect.

The three victims were stabbed, suffocated and beaten to death in their home. Their dogs were also found beaten to death. They were discovered when the family asked for a welfare check. Deputies went to the residence and found the victims. They have been identified as 78 year-old Richard Gardner II, his wife, 56 year-old Pepper Gardner, and son, 52 year-old Richard Gardner III.

Detectives and family members of the victims are asking for the public’s help in locating suspect Brown. We need to get this very dangerous suspect off the streets.

Suspect James “Todd” Brown is considered dangerous. If you have information regarding this incident, please contact detectives. If you see him or know where he is, please call 9-1-1 immediately. 

The investigation is still ongoing.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
 
Forwarded by:
Deputy Trina Schrader
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice - First floor 
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700

3rd Update******Person of Interest******
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the triple homicide that occurred in the 1100 block of West Avenue N-12, Palmdale, on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at approximately 3:50 P.M.  The three victims have been identified as 78 year-old Richard Gardner II, 56 year-old Pepper Gardner, and 52 year-old Richard Gardner III.

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have identified James “Todd” Brown, as a person of interest. Detectives believe Mr. Brown may have information regarding the murders.

According to detectives, Mr. Brown was living on the property for at least one or two years.

Detectives are also looking for a 2002 silver Toyota Pickup with a camper shell, CA License #42198C1. Detectives have confirmed the vehicle is registered to Mr. Brown. Neighbors, family and friends have informed detectives that it is the vehicle Mr. Brown typically drives.

It is unknown where Mr. Brown is at this point but he has family and friends that live in the Inland Empire and Antelope Valley.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 and ask for Sgt. Eric Arias or Detective Gail Durham. All Media Inquiries regarding this special bulletin, please contact Lt. John Corina at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
 
 Forwarded by:
Armando Viera Jr, Deputy
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice - First floor 
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700
 
Correction to day of the incident: The homicide occurred on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

****** 2nd Update *******
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the triple homicide that occurred in the 1100 block of West Avenue N12, Palmdale, on Sunday, January 13, 2018, at approximately 3:50 P.M.
 
The victims have been identified as 78-year-old Richard Gardner II, his wife 56-year-old Pepper Gardner, and 52-year-old Richard Gardner III.
 
Investigators are still processing the scene and following up on information related to a possible suspect on the case.  Suspect information is still unknown at this time.
 
No additional information is available at this time. 

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
 
 
Forwarded by:
Guillermina Saldaña, Deputy
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice - First floor 
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700
Website LASD HQ: http://www.lasd.org


***** Updated press release *****
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives are continuing their investigation into a triple murder which was discovered on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at approximately 3:50 P.M. at a residence in the 1100 block of West Avenue N-12, Palmdale.  Deputies went to the location at the request of a relative to check on the welfare of the residents.  During the check, the deputies discovered a male adult deceased inside the location.  Further investigation revealed two more victims, an additional male adult, and a female adult, in another room of the residence.  Both victims were deceased as well. 
 
Although the victims match the description of the persons who are known to reside at the location, a positive identification of the victims is pending.   
 
It appears the victims suffered some trauma to their bodies, but the exact cause of death will be determined by the coroner.  All three victims were pronounced dead at the location.      
 
There is no suspect information at this time.  
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Forwarded by:
Charles Moore, Deputy
Twitter: @LASDmoore
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice - First floor
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700


Original Press Release Below
______________________________________________________


Date:         Saturday, January 13, 2018
Time:         2:25 P.M.
Location:   1100 block of West Avenue N12, Lancaster
Victim:       Male White adult
Suspect:    Unknown
Unit:           LASD Homicide Bureau, Lieutenant Corina
 
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are responding to the 1100 block of West Avenue N12, Lancaster, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man.
 
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
There is no further information at this time, and the investigation is on-going.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
 
 
Written by:
Guillermina Saldaña, Deputy
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 
Hall of Justice - First floor  
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700
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LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Jim McDonnell, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department