Big thanks to the LAPD for doing their job and keeping Venice Safe!
From the Sacramento Bee:
Arrest made in connection with Modesto homicide.
The suspect in a Christmas Eve homicide of a Modesto man was arrested in Los Angeles and is awaiting transportation back to Modesto, according to Sheriff’s officials.
Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division found 42-year-old Dennis James Boyles sleeping in the sand on Venice Beach early Tuesday morning.
Detectives had previously identified Boyles as a “person of interest” in the homicide of 46-year old Tevan Nicholson, according to Deputy Luke Schwartz.
On Dec. 24, sheriff’s deputies went to a home in 300 block of South Santa Cruz Avenue when Boyles’ father called to report a man — which turned out to be Nicholson — passed out in one of the bedrooms. Boyles and his father lived in the home together.
Schwartz said Friday Nicholson had been stabbed.
Boyles fled the area after the homicide and detectives learned he was on parole in Illinois for the attempted murder of his girlfriend in 2000. She had been stabbed, according to Schwartz.
Boyles’ parole status was revoked and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Boyles was originally contacted by LAPD for sleeping on the beach, which is a violation of local municipal codes, according to Schwartz.
During the records check, LAPD officers learned Boyles had an outstanding, no bail parole revocation warrant.
He was detained on the warrant, and Stanislaus County detectives went to LA to interview Boyles about Nicholson’s death, Schwartz said.
Boyles was arrested on suspicion of murder and his bail was set at $3 million. Transportation arrangements are still being made in order to bring Boyles back to Modesto, according to Schwartz.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call Detective Darwin Hatfield at 525-7100. Those that wish to remain anonymous may call Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-866-602-7463 or locally at 209-521-4636.
By Erin Tracy
