By Mary O’KEEFE

Glendale police have made an arrest in the Aug. 8 murder of Hy Soon Oh, 67, of La Crescenta.

Forensic evidence led investigators to 20-year-old Devon White of Lynwood. The suspect is a previously convicted felon who was on probation at the time of his arrest. White is also a documented gang member based out of South Los Angeles, according to a GPD release.

“He has been convicted of drug sales and theft,” said Sgt. Robert William, GPD spokesman.

He had been arrested for robbery in the past, but had not been convicted.

It was on the evening of Aug. 8 when gunshots were heard in the normally quiet neighborhood of the 2900 block of Montrose Avenue. At first it was difficult for those who heard the shots to identify exactly where they came from; but then officers discovered the body of Oh in the underground parking garage. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

It was initially speculated that the suspect may have followed the victim home from her business in Lynwood. William said after viewing surveillance footage it does appear the suspect did follow the victim home.

GPD worked with detectives from the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Task Force to track down White, who was arrested on Aug. 17 in Los Angeles. On Aug. 21, the LA County District Attorney’s office filed multiple counts against White, including murder, robbery and a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a GPD statement.

“White was also charged with a special gang enhancement, which alleges the crimes were committed in the benefit or in association of a criminal street gang for the specific intent to promote, further or assist in criminal conduct by gang members,” according to GPD.

Oh had parked her vehicle in the garage under her apartment complex. Several of the residents reported hearing gunfire Witnesses interviewed by CVW stated they saw a flash and heard gun fire at the same time they heard a woman scream. Several residents of the complex heard the shots and came out of their homes.

At the time there was a general description of the suspect, but not much else to follow up on.

“We started off with nothing and in less than 10 days from the crime made an arrest,” William said.

Forensic evidence played an important role in finding the alleged suspect.

The forensic lab can process DNA and find evidence on shell casings. The Verdugo Regional Crime Lab is a fully accredited crime lab by the ASCLD (American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors)/LAB-International Program.

“The Glendale Police Dept. has done a lot of fundraising for the Verdugo Regional Crime Lab and members of the community have donated to keep the lab going,” William said.

Having a forensic lab in Glendale allows investigators to get results quickly.

Although an arrest has been made, the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call GPD at (818) 548-4911.

  Mary Okeefe