Man found beaten to death in Hollywood Hills home owned by Canadian media personality

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man was found beaten to death at a Hollywood Hills home owned by a Canadian media personality early Friday morning after police responded to a report of a robbery.

The incident happened shortly after 2 a.m. in the 6700 block of Milner Road, according to the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section.

The victim, identified as 41-year-old Canadian actor Richard Hong of Los Angeles, died of blunt force trauma, the LAPD said.

The male assailant was last seen running southbound on Las Palmas Avenue, investigators said. A description of that person was unavailable.

A search of the neighborhood ensued, supported by an LAPD helicopter overhead and a K-9 unit on the ground.

"We have cameras attached to our building, so we said we might pull those and check them out," said neighbor George McLachlan. "Hopefully we can find some justice and figure out how to secure Whitley Heights and not have this issue again."

The residence where Hong was discovered is a rental property, and a rental car was parked inside a garage at the location.

The home is owned by George Stroumboulopoulos, a Canadian TV and radio personality.

Stroumboulopoulos posted a statement to social media which read in part, "Many of you have seen the reports of a homicide which occurred early this morning in the home I rent in Los Angeles. I only have a few details but it seems like it was the result of a break in."

"The victim was a dear friend of mine, who was staying at my place while I was away. I am heartbroken," the statement continued.

Stroumboulopoulos stated he was flying to Los Angeles from New York to be with friends who were also devastated by the news.

City News Service contributed to this report.