Man found dead in apparent Downey home invasion; 2 arrested

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DOWNEY (FOX11 / CNS) - One man was found dead and two others were apprehended when police responded Sunday morning to a report of a possible robbery in progress at a home in Downey, authorities said.

Family identifies 59 year-old Jim Rudometkin as the victim.

"We don't know how he passed that's the sad thing," his niece said. "We wish they would tell people." Police said the victim was found dead inside a house on Lesterford Avenue shortly after a neighbor called about a possible robbery. "She saw some subjects approach her neighbors door, the door opened and the subjects forced their way in," Sgt. Kevin McCaster, Downey Police Department, said.

Officers sent about 11:15 a.m. to the home in the 10300 block of Lesterford Avenue were told that men were seen running from the area, according to Downey police Sgt. Terry Goeckner.

McCaster said investigators believe the home invasion was random.

The officers gave chase and apprehended two men, but believe a third got away, Goeckner said. A viewer video shows police making an arrest not far from the crime scene.

"We then made entry to the possible victim's residence and inside discovered a deceased male adult,'' the sergeant said. "We haven't determined the cause of death, but it's being treated as a homicide.''

The outstanding possible suspect was described as Asian or Pacific Islander, about 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds with bushy hair. He was wearing a button-down orange or red shirt, blue jeans and black
and white tennis shoes.

Detectives were called at the scene to investigate, Goeckner said. "We have investigators not only here, but at the station and other areas also following up on any and all leads," McCaster said.

Meantime, Rudometkin's heartbroken family is also searching for answers. They said he was a well-known real estate agent, who was also active in his church. "I could imagine if he caught someone in his house he would say, 'guys take whatever you want,'" his nephew said.

"He's a good man and he would not hurt a soul," his niece added. "He's got a heart of gold that goes on forever."

Anyone with additional information on the outstanding suspect is asked to call the Downey Police Department at 562-904-2308.