Covina: homicide victim found in Arizona
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Premium Fortenberry, 51, a black man, was killed in the 5200 block of Calera Avenue in Covina.
On Sunday, July 20, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s San Dimas Station responded to a report of a missing person in the 5200 block of Calera Avenue. A resident living in the back of the house told deputies that the owner of the home and his godson had been missing for several days. Deputies called for a homicide detective after they suspected foul play inside the home.
Four miles away, Lt. Paul Becker of the L.A. County Sheriff’s homicide bureau was investigating another slaying when he received the call. Becker found blood in Fortenberry’s house, and discovered that Fortenberry’s Toyota van was missing, as well as a large blue trash bin.
A day earlier in Arizona, authorities found the body of a black man in Maricopa County. Through dental records, a medical examiner identified the man as Fortenberry. In addition, the examiner learned that Fortenberry had been reported missing in California.
Back in Los Angeles, detectives were notified about the body. Sheriff’s detectives traveled to Arizona.
The following day, Monday, July 21, deputies of Pinal County in Arizona, next to Maricopa County, found Fortenberry’s van at a rest stop. Deputies detained Fortenberry’s godson, George Clemmet, 23, a young black man, after deputies learned the vehicle was reported missing. Detectives in L.A. were also notified of the arrest. Becker said Clemmet, who was also wanted for robbery in Louisiana, will be brought back to Los Angeles and will be charged in Fortenberry’s death.
-Ruben Vives/LAT
