Crime & Safety

Police Arrest Man Suspected of Killing Man, Severing Head Found Near Hollywood Sign

The murder happened two years ago. The suspect was located in Texas.

Originally posted at 11:08 a.m. March 10, 2013. Updated with new details.

A man suspected of killing and dismembering his live- in boyfriend, whose head and other body parts were found in Griffith Park in 2012, was charged today with murder.

Gabriel Campos-Martinez, 38, was arrested Sunday in San Antonio, Texas, and is awaiting extradition to Los Angeles, police said. He is accused of killing 66-year-old Hervey Medellin, whose head was found inside a plastic grocery bag on Jan. 17, 2012, by hikers near the Hollywood Sign.

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A subsequent search led to the discovery of Medellin's feet and right hand in another plastic bag, police said.

Prosecutors, who worked closely with the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division during the investigation, filed one count of murder against Campos-Martinez. According to police and prosecutors, the men had been living together for about six months in a Hollywood apartment.

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According to a 2012 search warrant affidavit, which was originally obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Campos-Martinez filed a missing-person report for Medellin the day before the remains were found. He was described in the affidavit as Medellin's "domestic partner."

During an interview with detectives on Jan. 19, 2012, Campos-Martinez "provided inconsistent and suspicious statements," according to the affidavit, a copy of which was posted online by The Hollywood Reporter. He agreed to a polygraph examination, the results of which showed that he was "being deceitful of dismembering the victim's body and having knowledge of the victim's murder," according to the court document.

Campos-Martinez acknowledged that he had access to Medellin's bank account, use of his ATM card and knew his Social Security number. Investigators determined that he had been using the ATM card and making inquiries that led them to believe he was looking to relocate, and researching gold and diamond websites in hopes of selling items Medellin owned, according to the affidavit.

According to prosecutors, Medellin died from asphyxiation, and he was likely killed on or about Dec. 27, 2011.

Campos-Martinez faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted, according to the District Attorney's Office.

--City News Service


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