Leobardo Esparza, 50 [Update]

Died Jan. 2, 2012

Leobardo Esparza, a 50-year-old Latino, died Monday, Jan. 2, in the 4100 block of South McKinley Avenue in Historic South-Central, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Esparza was discovered with blunt force head trauma about 2:55 p.m., coroner's officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The coroner's office could not provide more information about the case.

The Times has contacted investigators to obtain additional details about the killing and will post an update as soon as possible.

[Updated Jan. 11: LAPD Newton homicide Det. M. Terrazas, who is handling the case, said that no arrests have been made in connection to Esparza’s killing, which occurred inside a home.

“An unknown suspect bludgeoned him,” Terrazas said, “with what appears to be a coffee can filled with cement.”

Authorities had responded to a 911 call made by nearby citizens, Terrazas said. No one else was inside the residence, and officials are still investigating Esparza’s connection to the address. 

Anyone with information about the death of Leobardo Esparza is asked to contact Dets. Terrazas or D. Gersna at (323) 846-6556. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.]

— Rosanna Xia