Dispute between neighbors escalates to fatal stabbing in Arleta

ARLETA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 22-year-old man has been detained in connection to the fatal stabbing of his 37-year-old neighbor in Arleta early Sunday. Two other suspects were at large.

Los Angeles police Lt. Paul Vernon said three men were allegedly doing doughnuts and screeching tires near Beachy Avenue and Tonopah Street around 4 a.m.

Neighbor Edgar Barrientos heard the raucous driving and stepped out of his house to investigate when he was confronted by three men, one was a neighbor and another was the car's owner.

"There was an altercation over something, maybe the noise over the street racing, and that turned into a fight," LAPD Det. Juan Santa said.

The suspects then began beating Barrientos, stabbing the 37-year-old man multiple times with a knife. He later died at Holy Cross Hospital.

When another neighbor tried to help the man being attacked, at least two of the suspects went after him. The second resident retreated back into his home and called police.

Two of the three suspects fled the scene. The 22-year-old neighbor was later detained in his home by responding officers.

"We have yet to identify the two outstanding suspects, apparently friends of the man we detained," Vernon said.

The outstanding suspects were described as two Hispanic men in their 20s. The first suspect was described as a tall man with a beard. He was wearing a hat and was armed with a gun. The second suspect was shorter and was armed with a knife.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information was urged to call Mission Station detectives at (818) 838-9800.