The triple homicide that has shaken an upscale, exclusive gated community was not a random attack, and it appears the yet to be identified killer or killers were allowed into the house, the police captain overseeing the investigation said Tuesday.
Called to a large house on Via Galileo in Porter Ranch's Renaissance community shortly before 4 p.m. Monday, responders found three men inside, all dead of apparent gunshot wounds.
The victims have been identified as Gary Davidson, 39, an occupant who rented the home, and two visitors, Benny Lopez, 46, of Anaheim, and Jesus Perez, 34, of Perris.
"It is likely that the suspect or suspects were known to the victims," said Capt. William Hayes, commanding officer of the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery Homicide Division. "We can say with confidence that the crimes committed were directed at these victims."
Investigators believe they have "an idea" of "the genesis" that resulted in the shooting violence, but Hayes declined to discuss it, saying disclosure at this stage could hamper the investigation that is focused on identifying and locating whoever committed the murders--the number of perpetrators still unknown.
But Hayes did categorically rule out the scenario of a burglary gone bad, citing the evidence there was no break-in.
The residential community has two gated entries. Visitors must be invited in and license plates are documented by security. There are multiple cameras, including those at the gates that record the coming and going of every vehicle. Police are reviewing the video.
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Investigators obtained a search warrant for the home late Monday night, and did not finish their on-scene collection of evidence until Tuesday afternoon.
In addition to the men who were killed, a woman was at the residence in an upstairs bedroom, Hayes said. She placed the emergency call after hearing a gunshot, she told police. The woman lived in the house with Davidson.
There was no immediate suspect information available for the public.
