Alma Cornish, 71

Alma Cornish, a 71-year-old black woman, was found dead Friday, Oct. 2, in the 2900 block of Vineyard Avenue in West Adams, according to police and Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

On Oct. 2, a family member called police and asked for a welfare check at Cornish's residence, said LAPD Det. Dave Garrido.

Police responded about 4:30 p.m. and found Cornish dead in the bathroom. Coroner's officials ruled the death a homicide by sharp force. Police said that Cornish had been dead for at least a couple of days.

Garrido said that two of her vehicles were “unaccounted for.” 

On Oct. 6, Mathew Coyne, a 19-year-old black man, was arrested on suspicion of murder. Coyne was found driving one of Cornish’s vehicles. He had worked for her as a handyman, Garrido said.

Coyne has been charged with one count of murder and one count of burglary, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. Coyne pleaded not guilty Oct. 22 and is due back in court Dec. 1.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5110. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.