Two Bodies Found at Glendora Car Wash

Two men were found stabbed to death in Glendora, authorities said. The bodies were discovered around 2 a.m. in a car wash in the area of Vermont Avenue and Route 66, according to Lt. James De Mond.

Capt. Tim Staab said a patrolling police officer was flagged down by a citizen who said he heard screaming at the car wash. When the officer arrived at the scene he found two men who suffered stab wounds. Paramedics pronounced the two men dead at the scene.

De Mond said the two men may have been stabbed following a fight, although police are currently on the scene investigating.

The names of the men were not immediately released. Both bodies had been found in an area frequented by transients, said Deputy Don Walker of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau. Sheriff's homicide detectives were assisting the Glendora police in the investigation.

According to the preliminary investigation, no knife was found at the scene, and a man was seen running away from the area, a sheriff lieutenant told reporters.
Lt. Eddie Hernandez of the LASD described the possible suspect as stocky-built male last seen running northbound from the scene. 

Glendora resident Jeff Deaton said he knew the victims as longtime transients in the area. He said the two men - who he described as middle-aged - often slept at the car wash overnight. He said he knew the two men by their street names - Little John and Warren. One of the men was in a wheelchair after he was hit by a car, he said.

"They were good guys and they never seemed to cause any trouble," said Deaton. "It's a bummer."

Police were seen investigating a possible weapon found at the corner of Glendora and Baseline, however police are now saying the butcher knife reportedly found is not related to the homicides.

"We know that homeless people do have a tendency to spend the night here," said Staab. "We suspect the two dead men are homeless people who slept here at night."

Staab said the murders are the first to occur in the city since April 2009.

Route 66 from Vermont to Glendora Avenue is currently closed. Police advise motorists to find alternative routes.

Anyone with more information on the case was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau, (323) 890-5500; or Crime Stoppers, (800) 222-TIPS.

- City News Service contributed to this report.