September 7, 2023 - Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials report that the department would like to provide an update on the murder which occurred on August 28, 2023, in the 15300 block of Goodhue, Unincorporated Whittier.  On August 30, 2023, we sought the public’s assistance, as well as surrounding law enforcement agencies, in identifying the person responsible for the murder.

Shortly after the press conference, a community member reported seeing a person matching the description of the murder suspect to the Covina Police Department.  Covina PD officers responded and detained the male.  He was identified as Kaszey Encarnacion, a 25-year-old Hispanic male who resided in La Habra.

Encarnacion had last been seen on August 28, 2023, and a family member had reported him missing on August 30, 2023.  Although Encarnacion matched the suspect’s description, there was not enough evidence to arrest him, and he was reunited with his family.

As the investigation continued, additional surveillance video was recovered, and investigators narrowed their focus on Encarnacion.

Meanwhile, LASD Major Crimes Bureau, Operation Safe Streets Bureau, and Detective Division investigators conducted 24-hour surveillance on Encarnacion.  On September 3, 2023, investigators determined there was sufficient evidence to arrest Encarnacion.  Personnel from our Special Enforcement Bureau effected a search warrant at Encarnacion’s residence.  Encarnacion was taken into custody and booked for murder.

Homicide investigators presented their findings to the District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.  The District Attorney’s Office filed one count of murder, two counts of burglary, and one count of attempted mayhem against Encarnacion.  He is currently being held on $3 million bail.

We would like to thank all LASD personnel; our law enforcement partners, especially Whittier PD, Covina PD, and Chino PD; and community members for all the tips and assistance we received.

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 https://lacrimestoppers.org.

Source & photo: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department