(L.A.) Anthony Sowell, 45, Died in Westlake

Case Number: 2024-10788

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 45-year-old male that occurred in a parking lot.

The coroner’s office identified the man as Anthony Sowell and listed his race/ethnicity as Latino [sic].

Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Webb.

Manner of Death: Homicide

Cause of Death: Traumatic Asphyxia

Other Significant Conditions: Effects of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Cocaethylene and Ethanol; Hypertrophic Heart

RIP ANTHONY EUGENE SOWELL (July 5, 1979 – July 6, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Saturday at 4:20 p.m.

The Department of Medical Examiner publicly disclosed the CoD ruling on September 3, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back positive from the lab.

Cocaethylene is a psychoactive metabolite formed in the liver when cocaine and ethanol (alcohol) are consumed together.

* The decedent was a burglary suspect who was detained by a civilian in the 200 block of South Rampart Boulevard. In March 2025, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office decided not to file criminal charges against the civilian.

LAPD NARRATIVE

On July 6, 2024, at around 3:40 p.m., Rampart Division officers responded to a radio call of a Burglary suspect inside a residence in the 200 block of South Rampart Avenue. When officers arrived at the location, they were directed to a parking lot next door where a community member was restraining the subject on the ground.

The officers immediately handcuffed the subject, who did not resist. T

he subject was unresponsive and appeared to be in medical distress.

Based on their observations, the officers believed the subject was experiencing a drug overdose and requested a Rescue Ambulance. Officers administered Narcan, un-handcuffed the subject and began CPR.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel arrived and continued life saving measures until the subject was pronounced deceased at scene.