One Dead in Griffith Park Homicide, Suspect Arrested 

July 9, 2025 – Griffith Park, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that (LAPD) Central Bureau Homicide detectives announce the arrest of a suspect following the murder of 48-year-old Richard Ware in Griffith Park.

On July 5, 2025, around 2:32 a.m., patrol officers from LAPD’s Northeast Division responded to a radio call of a possible stabbing near the 3200 block of Riverside Drive. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Ware suffering from a stab wound. The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Paramedics responded and, despite life-saving medical efforts, Ware succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at scene.

After gathering witness statements, officers detained 36-year-old Royce Rainey while conducting a search of the nearby area.

Central Bureau Homicide detectives responded and assumed investigative responsibility and discovered that Rainey and Ware had been involved in a dispute that escalated into a physical altercation, during which Ware was stabbed.

Royce Rainey was placed under arrest for 187 PC – Murder. His booking number is 7047190, and he is being held without bail.

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Abundis or Detective Pintado, Los Angeles Police Department, Central Bureau Homicide, at 213-996-4104. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Source: Los Angeles Police Department