2 sought in fatal beating of man at Los Angeles group home

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Police are asking for the public's help locating two men charged in the beating death of a roommate at a group home in Los Angeles.

Investigators say on April 21, 44-year-old John Lubben was beaten for several hours by 40-year-old Martin Santana and 34-year-old Hugo Parra.

"The abuse included pulling him off of a bunk bed at least once, possibly twice. Mr. Lubben suffered a skull fracture. Additionally, they kicked him and they hit him as he lay on the ground," LAPD Det. Robert Lait said Tuesday at a news conference. "They dragged him out of the home into the elements. At one point, they actually picked him up and threw him into a pile of trash cans."

Lubben was eventually taken to California Hospital Medical Center, where he died less than 48 hours later.

Detectives say, according to witnesses, the beating may have been triggered by Lubben making too much noise because of an illness he had.

Lubben had been living at the home for approximately six years and the suspects had only been there for a few months. Detectives say Lubben never had any issues with anyone over the years. He was described as a very peaceful person.

"He was not an aggressive person. He was reserved and quiet and he mostly kept to himself. He never posed a threat to anybody," said the victim's sister, who did not want to publicize her name. "These two men, we believe, are bullies. They beat him up with no remorse and they could do this to somebody else."

Investigators believe the two suspects are still in the Los Angeles County area. Both of them have previously worked in the construction field.

Detectives said they have exhausted all leads in locating the suspects. Anyone with information on their whereabouts was asked to call (877) LAPD-24-7.