Grandson sought in Lake View Terrace woman's beating death

PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An all-out search is underway for the grandson of a 78-year-old Lake View Terrace woman who was found brutally beaten to death inside her own home.

Los Angeles police are searching for 36-year-old Joseph "Joey" Kushner, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Authorities say Kushner was living with his grandmother, Armida Custodio, at the time of her death.

Her body was discovered inside her residence in the 11300 block of Terra Vista Way Wednesday night after officers conducted a welfare check at the request of her family.

Detectives say it appears Custodio died of blunt force trauma.

"We need to talk to Kushner to figure out what he knows since we believe he was the last person to be in contact with her, what additional information he has concerning what happened to her," LAPD Det. Timo Illig said.

Authorities say Kushner usually travels on buses and trains across Southern California and is sometimes known to be armed. He has not been heard from since Monday, police said.

"My son, he suffers. He's totally disabled, he's schizophrenic," said Kushner's father, Steven. "He can function well and take care of himself like the officer said, detective. I'm very worried. Joey, I love you. Please come home. I'd like to talk to you, please."

Anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts was asked to contact the LAPD's Valley Bureau Homicide Division at (818) 374-1934.