Raymond Lee Hodge, 57

Raymond Lee Hodge, a 57-year-old white man, died Wednesday, March 16, after he was hit in the head in the 3200 block of East Avenue R in Palmdale, according to Los Angeles County coroner records. 

Hodge had health problems and used oxygen, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Eddie Hernandez.  

On March 3, deputies were called to his home because of a report that a relative hit Hodge in the head with his oxygen canister after the two got into an argument, Hernandez said. 

Hodge refused treatment and later told investigators that he fell, Hernandez said. 

The relative was arrested but later released after the prosecutor did not press charges due to lack of evidence, Hernandez said. 

On March 16, Hodge was taken to local hospital after family members found him unconscious. He was pronounced dead at 9:11 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

The coroner’s office initially deferred ruling on a cause of death, pending more investigation, but has since ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head.

Hernandez said the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.  

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.