Man sought in killing

Huntington Beach authorities looking for roommate of man stabbed to death Oct. 31; he may be headed for Mexico, they say.Police are looking for a man they want to question in connection with the stabbing death of a 32-year-old Huntington Beach man who was found inside his apartment in the 17300 block of Keelson Lane early Oct. 31.

Someone called 911 and reported the incident, but police do not know who made the call, said Huntington Beach Police Sgt. Mike Kelly.

Officers found the victim inside the living room of his apartment. He was transported to UC Irvine Medical Center, where he died of his injuries, police said. Police believe the man was stabbed to death while he was sleeping.

The possible murder weapon -- a “stabbing instrument of some kind” -- was found outside the apartment, Kelly said.

Police are not releasing the victim’s name because family members have has not been notified, Kelly said.

The man wanted for questioning is Vladimir Benitez, a 26-year-old Huntington Beach man who lived in the apartment with the victim, police said.

There were no witnesses to the incident, and no one saw Benitez at the apartment the day of the stabbing. He has family in the North Hollywood area and may be trying to return home to Mexico. Benitez does not drive, so he may use public transportation or hitchhike, police said.

Benitez is Latino; he has short or shaved hair, with bald patches in the back near the neckline. He is 5 feet 1 and weighs 120 pounds. He is described as having big ears and a scar from his bottom lip to his chin on the left side of his face. He has several tattoos, including “Benitez” on his left forearm and “Favi” on his left upper arm.

Anyone with information about Benitez should contact the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 375-5066.