North Hollywood Man Gets 26 Years for Killing Roommate

A North Hollywood man was sentenced today to 26 years to life in state prison for murdering a roommate who tried to intervene in a fight.

Manuel Garcia, 23, was convicted Feb. 24 of first-degree murder for the June 2, 2012, stabbing and beating death of 67-year-old Jorge Hortencio Valladares.

Valladares called 911 to ask for help after hearing Garcia and his girlfriend engaged in a violent argument in the apartment they shared with several other roommates in the 12000 block of Vanowen Street.

When Valladares tried to intervene prior to the arrival of authorities, Garcia repeatedly struck him on the head with a pot and stabbed him more than 30 times with a kitchen knife, according to trial testimony.

Garcia was arrested later that day near Barbara Ann Street and Bellaire Avenue.

--City News Service