Sheri Lynn Bickman, 57

Sheri Lynn Bickman, a 57-year-old white woman, was killed Friday, May 9, in the 400 block of East 7th Street in downtown L.A., according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Los Angeles police officers were called to the Madison Hotel about 10:30 p.m. regarding a report of a screaming woman, said LAPD Det. Brian Putnam.

Officers attempted to knock on the door of a room, and no one responded. They knocked again and a man told them to go away, Putnam said. Officers told the man they needed to come inside to make sure everything was OK and eventually, the man inside said he was going to kill himself. 

The officers then forced entry and found Bickman, who appeared to have been beaten and strangled, near a piece of furniture. Bickman was pronounced dead at 11:12 p.m. at the scene, according to coroner’s records.

Police identified the suspect as Orlando Wagner, a 53-year-old black man. Wagner told police that Bickman wouldn’t be quiet so he began to beat her, Putnam said.

A resident of  the Madison heard a female voice screaming “Help me,” from the room, Putnam said.

Wagner has been charged with one count of murder and one count of assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. Wagner is due in court July 16 for a hearing.

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Central Division detectives at (213) 972-1203. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz