LAPD makes arrest in North Hills human remains case

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department arrested a suspect in connection to the murder of Carlos DeLeon after human remains were found in Los Angeles' North Hills neighborhood Tuesday.

The LAPD responded to a call at the 16200 block of Community Court near the intersection of Woodley Avenue and Woodley Place a little after 3:30 p.m. November 21. 

Authorities said they received information that DeLeon was deceased and that he was buried in the backyard of the North Hills residence.

Officials removed a structure and its concrete foundation located near the back of the property. DeLeon's remains were uncovered during this process.

Investigators arrested 48-year-old Russell Robinson, a resident at the location, for the murder of DeLeon. 

Robinson was booked at the Los Angeles Police Department Valley Jail and is being held without bail.

In June 2023, the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit began an investigation into the disappearance of 35-year-old DeLeon, from Guatemala. Family and friends reported that they had not seen or heard from DeLeon since mid-June.

Authorities have not released any further information regarding DeLeon's cause of death or relationship to the suspect. Officials said the investigation is still ongoing.