Homicide Report > Herbert White, 49
Herbert White, 49
Died Nov. 29, 2010
Herbert White, a 49-year-old black man, was found dead Monday, Nov. 29 after being stabbed and dismembered in a hotel near downtown Los Angeles' skid row.
White's body had been "cut up into five different parts — basically his limbs were removed," a Los Angeles detective said.
Los Angeles Police Department detectives are seeking Edward Garcia Jr., 36, and his wife, Melissa Hope Garcia, 25 (also known as Melissa Turner) in connection with the slaying. They are believed either to be in Hollywood or en route to Pennsylvania, said LAPD Det. Kelle Baitx.
A housekeeper at the Continental Hotel discovered body parts in a backpack left behind in the room on Nov. 29. Additional body parts were found wrapped in blankets underneath the bed, police said, and a knife was recovered in the small hotel room. Baitx said police detectives believed it was a robbery gone wrong.
Continental Hotel representatives declined to comment.
“The crime-scene investigation revealed signs that the suspects were attempting to clean up the scene and attempting to remove the body from the location,” Baitx said.
Investigators used physical evidence left at the scene and witness’ statements to identify the couple.
The Los Angeles district attorney issued a warrant for the couple’s arrest Monday, charging them with capital murder that involved the infliction of torture, according to the arrest warrant. If convicted, they face a possible death sentence or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
— Nardine Saad
12 reader comments about Herbert White
I did not know Herbert White but I am so sorry that someone did this horrible thing to him. I am so sad for his family and friends. It is so sad that someone is so sick in the head that they would cut him up like that. I hope they are found and put away for this murder. There is no excuse for killing someone, but this one is the most grusome I have ever heard
Dec. 8, 2010 at 10:25 a.m.
Herbert was my cousin, he had one of the biggest and most kind heart known to man. He got out of his bed to help these people and they lured him to that room and took his life.never in my wildest dreams would I expect to have something like this to happen to our family. I hope these folks are found and prosecuted to the fullest exstent of the law.
Dec. 8, 2010 at 8:47 p.m.
To the White family and friends....I don't know you but am praying for you on this tragic loss of your beloved. How anyone can do this horrible thing to another person is shocking! These people need to be found soon and put away for life before they hurt anyone else. I will remember Mr. White and what a giving soul he was. God bless.
Dec. 9, 2010 at 4:31 a.m.
to the family i am sorry about this loss i used to work with herbert at napa auto parts a few years back he was a very good person and herb and i always would crack jokes he was very easy to get along with...i will always pray 4 the family....may u rest in peace herb
Dec. 9, 2010 at 11:26 a.m.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son and brother. I can't imagine how anyone could be so cruel to another living soul. Just when you think you have heard the worst humanity has to offer, these two dregs come along. One can only hope the Garcia's are captured soon or that they do the right thing ala Thelma and Louise and drive off a cliff somewhere. May God soon bring peace to the White family.
Dec. 9, 2010 at 2:05 p.m.
sick folks man. . rip to the deceased but you cant help but ask wtf?were these people stealing organs?
Dec. 9, 2010 at 2:17 p.m.
I am from chicago and i was online when i seen this horrible crime that was done to this man and it made me sick to my stomach plus it made me so angry that someone like them drug users stupid would harm this nice-looking generous black man for trying to help their stanky-asses it just why other good people out there like mr.white do not raise a helping hand cause they fear for their life as well. my deepest sympathies to his family, and to his family stay with that case until the very end?
Dec. 11, 2010 at 5:56 a.m.
Please Know That The Davis Family In Kansas City Continue To Keep You In Our Prayers.
Please Continue To Stay Strong And Tell Your Family You Love Them Always! Tomorrow Is Never A Promise To Us.
Dec. 17, 2010 at 10:50 p.m.
What a sick crime. This poor victim. I wonder if that hotel room is haunted now?
Jan. 5, 2011 at 6:27 a.m.
Hello people. I just want to thank every last one of you for all of your very kind and soothing words in regards to my recently murdered middle brother, *Herbert Tracy White* ! He was one of a kind, and h will be so dearly missed by all who knew him... and those who did not know him personally, but feel like you did through the warm expressions of his family and close friends. He will definitely be missed, but "NEVER" forgotten, for years and years to come !!! Thank you all so much, from all over the world, for your kind words and support for my too soon departed brother , friend, and our family here, in California , and elsewhere. May our one creator bless you all, and keep you and "your" family safe from the harms of the monsters in our society. And to one of his best friends in elementary & junior high, Jasson Canary, there in Florida, I seen your comment a while back.... You now know how to contact our family here... through my e-mail address. Once again, thanks to all who left the kindest of comments during our untimely loss. Take care and God bless you all!!! His oldest brother, Anthony DeMarco White
Jan. 31, 2011 at 5:10 p.m.
Oh, there was-is-a lot of riff raff in that hotel. Old school flee bag hotel. The type of hotel that should be avoided at all costs!!!
May 8, 2011 at 2 p.m.
im sorry to the family that lost there love one but yes he was a very nice and kind man.i hope them S.O.B fry for what they did they were very evil people my mommas dog tried several times while they were there to jump threw the door to get the man he use to talk in tounges and i dont mean biblical ones he was a demon R.I.P HERBERT
July 18, 2011 at 4:26 a.m.
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