Westminster man, 48, arrested after 2 elderly relatives found stabbed to death, police say

A 48-year-old Westminster man was arrested on suspicion of murder after a 74-year-old woman and an 80-year-old man were found stabbed to death inside a home on Sutter Drive on Monday evening, Oct. 19, police said.

Police identified the man as Benjamin Hoang. The Los Angeles Times, citing police, reported that the two victims were his parents. Other reports based on the Westminster Police Department release said only that the suspect and both victims were members of the same family. The family dog was also found dead with apparent stab wounds.

What police say

Officers were sent to the 13500 block of Sutter Drive around 5:52 p.m. after a caller said he had killed someone, according to police. When officers arrived, they found a man with visible blood on his hands.

Based on statements he made to police, officers detained him while they searched the home, KTLA reported. Inside, they found the woman and the man with multiple stab wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives classified the deaths as a double homicide. Detectives and forensic technicians stayed at the house overnight to serve a search warrant and collect evidence.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Hoang was booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder; KTLA reported police said he was expected to be booked there. No formal charges, bail amount or court date had been announced in the reports reviewed. He has not been convicted of any crime.

What we don't know yet

Police have not released a motive or said what led up to the deaths. The victims' names are being withheld until their next of kin are notified.

Investigators believe it was an isolated incident and say there is no ongoing threat to the neighborhood.

How to help the investigation

Anyone with information is asked to call Westminster police Detective C. Chavez at 714-548-3797. Anonymous tips can go to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or occrimestoppers.org.

What’s next

Prosecutors had not announced formal charges or an arraignment date as of the latest reports. The investigation is ongoing, and police have not said when they will release the victims' names.