Family Member Arrested In Fatal Beating Of Glendale Man, 84

GLENDALE (CBSLA.com) — A family member has been arrested in connection with the fatal beating of an 84-year-old man, Glendale police said.

James Adrian Sanchez, 22, was arrested Tuesday in connection with the death of Ruben Sanchez, who was found severely beaten Monday morning in his apartment in the 1800 block of West Glenoaks, Glendale police spokesman Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.

Ruben Sanchez was taken to County-USC Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Sanchez's fatal beating was initially believed to have started with a burglary, but detectives later identified a family member as the suspect in his death.

James Sanchez was found in El Cajon and arrested by Glendale police with the help of the U.S. Marshal's Task Force, Lorenz said.

Officials have confirmed the suspect and victim are related but haven't specified their exact relationship.

Jose Valle, a close friend to Ruben Sanchez, said James Sanchez is the victim's step-greatgrandson. He said the suspect lived in Ruben's apartment for a few weeks earlier this year before moving to San Diego.

Detectives have not released a motive for the slaying.

"A lot of it goes to motive and we can't release motive yet. The case is yet to be presented to the District Attorney's Office," Lorenz said.

Valle said he isn't surprised James Sanchez has been named a suspect, and said the younger man had a key to the apartment.

Still, Valle said he can't understand why anyone would want to kill his friend, a humble, Cuban immigrant.

"He was a very simple guy, very friendly," he said.

Investigators are looking into whether the suspect acted with an accomplice.

James Sanchez is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.

Anyone with information about the crime can call (818) 548-3987.