Christopher Thomas, 66

Thomas Christopher, 66, a white man, was stabbed in the chest at 314 South Alexandria Ave. in the Koreatown area at about 12:40 a.m. Sunday, July 29. He was taken to a hospital, where he died at 1:50 a.m. July 29.

The suspect, 22-year-old Victor Esparza, a Latino young man, fled down Alexandria but was caught by Rampart police officers.

Christopher was originally from New York. He was liked strongly by some, disliked strongly by others, said detectives who canvassed the neighborhood. Esparza was an acquaintance, and an invited guest in Christopher's home, Rampart homicide Det. Lilia Velasco. The two had quarreled, and Esparza had walked away, leaving Thomas wounded in his wake. Neighbors pointed out Esparza to police officers, who arrested him. Esparza claimed to have had earlier troubles with Christopher, and to have been wronged by him, but police could not confirm his account. Esparza was charged with murder.

Investigators were still trying to find Christopher's family members this week. Anyone with information on his next of kin is asked to call Rampart homicide detectives at (213) 485-2060.