(L.A.) Katan Khaimov, 70, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2008-01982

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 70-year-old Caucasian male that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Katan Khaimov.

Manner of Death: Homicide

Cause of Death: Stab Wound Of Chest

Other Significant Condition: Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

RIP KATAN KHAIMOV (October 5, 1937 – March 10, 2008)

The decedent was a resident of the Melrose District who was stabbed to death in the 6400 block of Romaine Street, just south of the border between West Hollywood and the city of Los Angeles. The murder received much publicity at the time.

Khaimov lived near the location where the murder occurred, and routinely went on evening walks to Plummer Park, along Romaine Street and Martel Avenue. He is believed to have been stabbed around 9 p.m. Witnesses told police at the time that they saw Khaimov lying on the ground and moaning, but thought he was a transient who was intoxicated or suffering from mental illness. Police were finally notified by a citizen around 11 p.m., and Khaimov was taken to the hospital, where he died.

The delay in the reporting of the incident possibly contributed to his death.

Khaimov had immigrated to the United States from Kazakhstan and had lived in the neighborhood with his family since 1995. He was described by investigators as a family man who had been married for 48 years, and had four children.

A transient named Angel Jesus Gonzalez was arrested for the crime in June 2011. Detectives located him in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was staying with friends.