Israel Tovar, 51 [Updated]

Israel Tovar, a 51-year-old Latino, died Monday, Sept. 5, after suffering trauma in the 15200 block of Prarie Avenue in Lawndale, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

[Editor's note: An earlier version of this post, based on information from the coroner's office, identified the victim as a male Hispanic in his 50s.]

Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office, said Tovar's body was found about 12:20 a.m. Authorities were called and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coroner's records show he suffered blunt-force trauma to the head and neck.

Winter said a suspect was later discovered covered in blood and confessed to killing Tovar. That person is in custody, Winter said, but he did not have the suspect's name.

The Times has contacted investigators to obtain additional information about the case and will post an update as soon as details become available.

[Update Sept. 16: Sheriff homicide Det. Ralph Hernandez, who is handling the case, said officials arrested Daniel Escovedo, a 26-year-old Latino, in connection with Tovar's death.

Escovedo was walking down the street when he came across Tovar and attacked him, Hernandez said. Neither men had any gang ties nor were there any witnesses to the beating.

The alleged assailant is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Twin Towers jail in downtown. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 28 at the Torrance Municipal Court.]

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact Det. Hernandez at (323) 890-5549. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

— Los Angeles Times