Eva Tice, 60, was walking home from Hope Chapel after Christmas Eve services on Pacific Avenue between 11th and 12th streets on Saturday night. She lived about three blocks away. It was a walk the mentally challenged woman had done many times without a problem.
Police say she was attacked and stabbed in front of a building on Pacific Avenue near 11th Street.
"Somewhere between 11th and 12th she was attacked. I mean, I'm talking brutally attacked. She was stabbed multiple times in the chest," said LAPD Det. David Alvarez.
Alvarez says one of things Tice had with her when she was attacked was her Bible. She wrote her name inside, which helped police identify her.
According to police, Tice became a ward of the state when she was a teenager after her parents were killed in an automobile accident.
Her roommate, Tamara King, said Tice's husband died nearly a year ago. King says Christmas was a special time for Tice.
Pastor Vince Ornelas said Tice walked through the doors of Hope Chapel about a year and a half ago.
"She was a sweet lady," said Ornelas. "She was always participating in church events. She was an usher here, and wanted to serve even more."
The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male with a medium build, about 30 to 35 years old, with either a shaved or bald head, wearing dark baggy clothing.
Alvarez believes robbery was the motive.
If you have information related to the case, contact the Los Angeles Police Dept. at (877) LAPD-24-7.
