(L.A.) Nicole Santillanes, 38, Stabbed to Death in Front of Her Children

Case Number: 2023-01438

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 38-year-old female of “Hispanic/Latin American” ethnicity that occurred at a residence on February 4 (Saturday).

The coroner’s office identified the woman as Nicole Gjurich of South L.A. The decedent, however, appears to be known by the surname Santillanes. She has a sister named by the media as Ashley Gjurich. Their mother’s maiden name is Velasco.

Manner of Death: Homicide

Cause of Death: Multiple Sharp Force Injuries

The decedent was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend in front of her children. This happened over the weekend at an apartment complex on Broadway Avenue.

Santillanes was killed in front of three of her four children, who are 8, 7 and 13. The boyfriend Richard Lara fled, but was arrested today (Wednesday).

Friends and family say Santillanes and Lara were in a toxic on-and-off relationship for years that involved domestic violence. Lara is the father of two of Santillanes’ children.

Any updated information will be added to this page when it becomes available.

RIP NICOLE ROCHELLE SANTILLANES (January 22, 1985 – February 4, 2023)

GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/devastating-family-emergency-for-mother-of-4