A story for every victim

Florentino Reyes-Lucas, 41

Florentino Reyes-Lucas, a 41-year-old Latino, was found dead Friday, March 23, in the 11200 block of Sepulveda Boulevard in Mission Hills, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Police discovered Reyes-Lucas when they were called to the Facey Medical Group building at 6:30 a.m.

Reyes-Lucas, who was stabbed to death, was a contract employee working as a janitor in the building, police said.

Officials identified the suspect they believed is involved as Jesus Bautista Maldonado, a 43-year-old Latino from Los Angeles.

Authorities said in a statement that Maldonado was arrested about 11:15 p.m. Friday at the San Ysidro border crossing and booked on suspicion of murder. Homicide detectives initially believed Maldonado had fled the country before they could detain him.

Reyes-Lucas, of Los Angeles, was working as an independent contractor in the building, officials said. Maldonado and Reyes were working together in the building when the stabbing occurred, authorities say.

Anyone with additional information on the incident is asked to call LAPD homicide Dets. Efren Gutierrez, a Spanish speaker, at (818) 838-9948, or Gene Parshall at (818) 838-9954. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Matt Stevens and Carol J. Williams

Share a memory or thought about Florentino Reyes-Lucas

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

  Required
  Required

One reader comment