LA sheriff releases sketch in renewed probe of 2005 killing
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Investigators on Tuesday revealed a sketch of a man they believe killed a father of two who was asleep in his Southern California home in 2005.
“We believe we can show you the face of the killer,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said at a news conference. He released a composite sketch that was developed by re-interviewing people previously questioned in the death of 27-year-old Edward Berber.
So far, detectives do not know the identity of the man in the sketch, his connection to Berber or the motive for the crime, sheriff’s officials said.
Berber was found shot and killed in his bed at his Hacienda Heights home on Dec. 6, 2005. There was no sign of forced entry and nothing was stolen from the home, investigators said. Berber’s mother, Rosa Berber, went to his home to check on him after she hadn’t heard from him for several days. Berber’s employer had been unable to reach him, McDonnell said.
“Please, I’m his mom. I ask you, everyone who’s listening, please, help us find out what happened to him,” a weeping Rosa Berber said in Spanish during the news conference.
“This is not a normal case and there’s nothing in Edward’s background that he had any falling out with anyone in the neighborhood, or any of the family at this point,” sheriff’s homicide Sgt. Robert Martindale said. Berber and his wife were in the process of divorcing but there is no evidence that she was involved in the killing, sheriff’s officials said.
Berber left behind two children, who were 3 and 8 years old. They were not in the home at the time of the murder.
Berber’s sister, Alejandra Johnson, said her brother had a master’s degree from Notre Dame and was about to take his test to become a certified public accountant.
“He had dreams and goals, not just for him, but for his family,” Johnson said.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer’s arrest.