Feb. 01--Los Angeles police are searching for a man suspected in a fatal stabbing early Saturday in a Van Nuys apartment complex.
Authorities said the case began when Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters were called to a structure fire in the 14600 block of Saticoy Street.
Firefighters forced entry into the apartment and found the victim dead on the kitchen floor, police said. The fire, a small blaze in a back bedroom, was quickly extinguished.
Police identified the victim as Michael Vash Payne, 33, also known as Yazmin. They said Payne's torso had multiple stab wounds.
"Detectives were able to recover the murder weapon at the scene," police said.
Police said they have identified a possible suspect and are calling on the public for help in the case. The suspect is described as a man in his mid-20s, standing about 5-foot-8 and weighing about 150 pounds.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the LAPD Van Nuys detective desk at (818) 374-0040. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477), text the number 274637 and begin the text message with "LAPD," or go to www.ladponline.org and click on "Anonymous Web Tips."
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UPDATE
10:30 a.m.: This article has been updated with new information.
This article was originally posted at 10:05 a.m.
