Authorities responded to a home in the 1900 block of Rockefeller Lane at about 10 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found 19-year-old Courtney Bergman and her mother, Vicki Bergman, dead inside the home.
Detectives do not believe the murders were a random act of violence. They're looking for 23-year-old Jonathan Scott Chacon, who has been named the person of interest. Police say he may be driving a black 1996 Ford Mustang convertible, with California license plate 6CQF458.
"I know they were in a relationship a while back ago. I've only heard bad stuff about him," said one of the victim's friends, Nadia Basich.
Chacon reportedly has a Grim Reaper tattoo on his right arm, the word "distraught" on his chest and the word "death" tattooed on his left arm.
Police won't say when the women died or how they were killed. The deaths are being investigated as a double homicide. Authorities said they were called to apartment B by a coworker of one of the victims.
"She came to this location after becoming concerned for a coworker who lives at this address," said Capt. Jeff Hink of the Redondo Beach Police Department.
Friends and family members consoled each other at a candlelight vigil outside the victims' home Tuesday night. Courtney Bergman's friends shared their favorite pictures of the Redondo Shores High School graduate.
"She had her big blue eyes...nice, cute smile," said one friend.
Residents in the neighborhood said they're in shock.
"It's scary because this does not happen here. This is a very tight, close-knit community," said neighbor Lorie Lara.
Anyone who sees Chacon is urged to call the Redondo Beach Police Department at (310) 379-2477 or the anonymous tip line at (310) 937-6685. He is considered armed and dangerous.
