Los Angeles, Ca

Southern California community plagued by destructive burglaries

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Southern California community plagued by destructive burglaries

An Orange County community is concerned after violent and destructive burglaries continue targeting the same neighborhood over the past several weeks.

The burglaries are centered around an upscale gated community in Irvine called The Groves at Orchard Hills.

Surveillance cameras captured intruders lurking around backyards and searching for opportunities to enter homes.

Residents said eight houses have been burglarized so far with one incident turning violent.

“We’re on our eighth now it’s just mind-boggling,” said a resident, who did not wish to be identified for safety reasons. “It’s scary and it’s unsettling.”

Neighbors have found hidden cameras pointed at homes, appearing to surveil them and likely timing the break-ins to when occupants leave.

Two masked thieves seen prowling around a backyard as a string of destructive burglaries plagues a gated community in Irvine.
A masked thief seen prowling around a backyard as a string of destructive burglaries plagues a gated community in Irvine.
The entrance to The Groves at Orchard Hills, a gated community in Irvine. (KTLA)
A hooded suspect seen walking around as a string of destructive burglaries plagues a gated community in Irvine.
The entrance to The Groves at Orchard Hills, a gated community in Irvine. (KTLA)
The entrance to The Groves at Orchard Hills, a gated community in Irvine. (KTLA)

“It was installed in the bushes so that they can see our houses,” the resident told KTLA’s Mary Beth McDade.

In a recent break-in, thieves reportedly escaped with millions of dollars worth of jewelry and luxury handbags after accessing a home through a back door.

“When I spoke to [the victims] they were just trembling, shaking and traumatized,” the resident said. “The grandmother was actually inside the house while this all happened.”

In a separate incident, victims said intruders pulled out a gun during the ordeal and held the victims hostage.

“It was at gunpoint and someone was tied up,” another neighbor told KTLA. “It’s really scary.”

Neighbors are scared and frustrated with many asking city officials and the police department to address the concern with increased security and patrols.

“We need to see some action,” a resident said.

“I’m here today to reassure the community that we are working very closely with Irvine Police,” said Dr. Vigor, HOA president of The Groves at Orchard Hills.

Police told KTLA that communities across Southern California have been increasingly targeted by professional thieves who are often linked with international theft rings and crime groups. They told residents they’re aware of the issue and are working to combat future incidents.

“We have dedicated an extreme amount of resources to this issue,” said Kyle Oldoerp with the Irvine Police Department. “Some that are easily seen and some that aren’t. We have officers on extra patrols. We have undercover resources, surveillance teams out here, video cameras using our real-time crime center.”

A town hall meeting will be held on Wednesday night by Irvine Police to discuss and address residents’ concerns.

So far, no suspects have been arrested. Anyone with information on the burglaries can call Irvine Police at 949-724-6000.

Los Angeles, Ca

$10K Reward offered in 2001 Southern California cold case double homicide

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

K Reward offered in 2001 Southern California cold case double homicide

Officials in Los Angeles County are offering a $10,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a cold case double homicide that happened more than 23 years ago.

The violence unfolded on Aug. 27, 2001, as the victims, 27-year-old Nakeysha Eddings and 29-year-old Devin Questel were walking to a family member’s home nearby just after 1:30 a.m., according to a news release from the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.

Details are extremely limited and it’s unclear how the shooting occurred, but authorities say Eddings and Questel were found on Inglewood Boulevard between West Hillsdale Street and Centinela Avenue suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

Nakeysha Eddings seen in this undated photo. (viewer image)

While the county’s news release did not specify the victims’ relationship, a family member of Eddings told KTLA in an email that the pair were girlfriend and boyfriend.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Sgt. Juan Torres, Homicide-Officer-In Charge, Detective Bureau at the Inglewood Police Department at 310-412-8687 and refer to report #01-2390018.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.com.

Los Angeles, Ca

LAFC, LA Galaxy to join 18 other pro soccer teams for preseason event in Southern California

Published

19 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

LAFC, LA Galaxy to join 18 other pro soccer teams for preseason event in Southern California

Both of L.A.’s professional men’s soccer clubs will join 18 other teams – including six women’s teams – for the 2025 Coachella Valley Invitational.

Preseason matches at the Empire Polo Club in Indio begin on Feb. 1, 2025, as part of the largest integration between major men’s and women’s professional sports leagues in North America. It will run until Feb. 22.

Angel City FC, Los Angeles’ professional women’s team, will be participating, as will San Diego FC, who will be playing their first season in the MLS in the upcoming 2025-2026 season.

2024 Season: LA Galaxy pre-season match vs. New York Red Bulls during the Coachella Valley Invitational on February 17, 2024. Photo by Robert Mora/LA Galaxy.

A list of the MLS clubs that will play in the 2025 CVI can be found below:

Austin FC
Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire FC
LA Galaxy
LAFC
Minnesota United FC
New York City FC
New York Red Bulls
Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake
San Diego FC
San Jose Earthquakes
St. Louis City SC
Sporting Kansas City

The six NWSL clubs participating in the 2025 CVI are:

Angel City FC
Bay FC
Houston Dash
Portland Thorns
San Diego Wave FC
Seattle Reign FC

LA Galaxy will play four matches at the invitational against Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Minnesota United and Chicago Fire. The games are scheduled for Feb. 5 at 11 a.m., Feb. 9 at 10 a.m., Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. and Feb. 15 at noon, respectively.

LAFC’s sole match at the tournament against Chicago Fire is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 5.

Angel City FC will play against Portland Thorns FC at 11 a.m. on Feb. 16 and against Seattle Reign FC at noon on Feb. 22.

All passes and ticket packages are available starting Wednesday. Early bird pricing begins Wednesday and ends on Jan. 9.

For additional ticketing information, visit www.coachellavalleyinvitational.com

Los Angeles, Ca

Suspected DUI driver in custody after pursuit in Los Angeles

Published

1 day ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

Suspected DUI driver in custody after pursuit in Los Angeles

A suspect wanted for allegedly driving under the influence Monday night is in custody after a short police pursuit.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department were chasing the suspect, reportedly behind the wheel of a white Dodge Durango, in southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway in the area of Silver Lake before he transitioned onto the 2 Freeway and exited onto surface streets.

A DUI suspect was taken into custody after a pursuit in L.A. on Dec. 16, 2024. (KTLA)
A DUI suspect was taken into custody after a pursuit in L.A. on Dec. 16, 2024. (KTLA)
A DUI suspect was taken into custody after a pursuit in L.A. on Dec. 16, 2024. (KTLA)
A DUI suspect was taken into custody after a pursuit in L.A. on Dec. 16, 2024. (KTLA)
A DUI suspect was taken into custody after a pursuit in L.A. on Dec. 16, 2024. (KTLA)
A DUI suspect was taken into custody after a pursuit in L.A. on Dec. 16, 2024. (KTLA)