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Vicki Yildirim, 45 [Updated]

Vicki Ivana Yildirim (2011-01-27)

Vicki Yildirim, a 45-year-old black woman, was stabbed to death Thursday, Jan. 27, in the 500 block of West Century Boulevard in Vermont Vista, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Det. T. Hammond, who is handling the case for LAPD's Criminal Gang & Homicide unit, said authorities were notified of the stabbing about 2:50 a.m.

When police arrived, they found Yildirim with a wound to the upper left chest, he said.

She was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 3:30 a.m.

During the investigation, detectives learned Yildirim was having a verbal dispute about money with another person before she was stabbed. The assailant wanted "better respect from the victim," Hammond said.

Police have identified a person of interest, but have yet to charge the person in connection with Yildirim's death.

The investigation is ongoing, Hammond said.

[Update Feb. 22: Two people were arrested and charged with Yildirim's death, said Det. Hammond. According to the felony complaint, Edward Caballero, a 39-year-old Latino, and Gloria Caballero, a 37-year-old Latina, have each has been charged with one count of murder.

Records show that in 1999 Edward Caballero was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon "other than a firearm."]

Anyone with additional details about the death of Vicki Yildirim is asked to contact Det. Hammond or M. Aguilar at (213) 485-4341. Tipsters who'd like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Sarah Ardalani

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