Witness describes second 'person of interest' in 2009 slaying of grandmother [Update]

A witness has described a second person of interest in the stabbing death of 76-year-old Leam Sovanasy.

Teryl Hubert, a detective investigating the killing, said police seem to be “on a roll with people calling in” after Long Beach Search and Rescue in July canvassed the neighborhood where the stabbing, which is believed to have begun as a robbery, occurred.

In the last few months, detectives have identified a car believed to be associated with the slaying, a first person of interest, and now a second.

L.A. County supervisors last week approved a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the killing.

The first person of interest is described as a black man in his mid-20s with black hair, brown eyes and a medium to thick build. He is believed to be 5 feet 9 to 5 feet 11. The second person of interest is described as a black man in his 20s with black hair, brown eyes and a medium build. He is believed to be 5 feet 7 to 5 feet 9.

The two may have been in a four-door, white Chevrolet Caprice Classic.

Hubert said she was hopeful that more people would come forward to identify the persons of interest. From there, detectives could try to match DNA found at the scene to any suspects.

“We might really get lucky here,” Hubert said.

Anyone with information about the killing or the two men’s identities is asked to call Hubert or Det. Mark Bigel at (562) 570-7244. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

Photo, top: Search and Rescue volunteers Juan Cuevas, 19, and Kevin Garcia, 18, join together with detective Roger Zottneck as they pass out flyers about 76-year-old Leam Sovanasy in a Long Beach neighborhood Tuesday, July 23, 2013. Credit: Cheryl A. Guerrero, Los Angeles Times

Photo: A composite sketch of a second person of interest Credit: Long Beach Police Department

[Update, Sept. 13, 2013:  Freddie Battle, 25, was arrested Sept. 5, and Dontae Davis, 24, was arrested Sept. 6 on suspicion of murder and robbery. They are due in court Sept. 23.

Long Beach police make two arrests in 2009 killing]