Couple Using Charcoal Grill for Heat Die of Poisoning

VAN NUYS —  A couple who used a charcoal grill to heat their apartment died of carbon monoxide poisoning early Thursday, authorities said.

Agripino Ajquejay, 43, and his wife, Ermelinda Lopez, 51, were found dead in their home in the 14900 block of Vanowen Street shortly before 7 a.m., said Homicide Det. Al Aldez of the Los Angeles Police Department.

The victims were discovered by Ajquejay’s 19-year-old son, Mauricio. Ajquejay, a recent immigrant from Guatemala, died holding the telephone, police said.

“The husband was conscious enough at one point to try to make a telephone call,” Aldez said, adding that the deaths were accidental.

Officials said such tragedies are not uncommon, especially in cold weather when grills are used for heating or cooking.

Carbon monoxide fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used indoors cause about 30 deaths and 300 emergency room visits annually, said Ken Giles, a spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

“Never, ever use charcoal indoors, in a house, in a vehicle, in a tent,” Giles said.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas produced by burning fuels.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion and disorientation. Victims often are overcome without even detecting the presence of the deadly fumes.

“This couple basically slept to their death,” said city Fire Capt. Steve Ruda.

Ajquejay and Lopez--devout Jehovah’s Witnesses, according to neighbors--had lived in and managed their small apartment building for about two months. “She didn’t know how her children were doing,” said Silvia Valencia, 48, a resident of the apartment building. “She really wanted to bring them here.”

Another neighbor, Lydia Aceves, said Lopez visited her regularly after the birth of Aceves’ baby six weeks ago.

“I think she was drawn to the baby since all her children were grown up,” Aceves said. “She would stop by and play with the baby and tell him how beautiful he was. . . . She missed her own children, I think.”

Ajquejay, a construction worker, was described by neighbors as helpful, upright and quiet.