Arrest: Friend held in connection with stabbing death of John Feehan, 47

A reader asked for an update on the investigation into the killing of John Feehan, a 47-year old white man, who was stabbed to death Wednesday, March 3, in the 1000 block of West 253rd Street in Harbor City.

Los Angeles Police Det. Sid Rodriguez, who is handling the investigation, said Feehan's body was discovered in the morning by the property owner of the building at which he was staying.

When police arrived, they found Feehan's body with stab wounds to the neck and head. He was pronounced dead at 11:40 a.m., according to coroner's records.

In their investigation, detectives identified a possible suspect: Francisco Martinez, a 31-year-old Latino. Rodriguez said Martinez and Feehan were friends who lived together in a makeshift dwelling on property owned by Martinez's grandmother, who found the body.

Investigators questioned Martinez about the stabbing and he admitted guilt, Rodriguez said. He was arrested March 3 and has been charged with a single count of murder. 

Rodriguez said police believe Martinez tried to rob his friend after they both became intoxicated and in the process became enraged and stabbed Feehan to death.

He is being held at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic in lieu of $1-million bail.

His next court date is scheduled for April 27 at the Long Beach Municipal Court.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: John Feehan, 47, was stabbed to death May 3. His friend, Francisco Martinez, 31 [not pictured] was arrested in connection with the killing. Credit: DMV