Man killed in Downey home-invasion robbery; 1 suspect outstanding

DOWNEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A man was killed during a home-invasion robbery in Downey Sunday afternoon, and one of the suspects remains outstanding, police said.

The incident happened in the 10300 block of Lesterford Avenue near Via Amorita shortly after 11 a.m. Police said three suspects broke into the residence and confronted the homeowner, pushing him back into the house.

The suspects ransacked the house and then quickly fled the scene with some of the man's property. It was unclear how the homeowner was killed, but police said he was not shot.

Neighbors said they saw the suspects go into the home and they immediately called 911.

"There was a couple of them out there. Two of them knocked on the front door and the gentleman came out the side door. They kind of tried to push him back inside the door," resident Annette Araujo said.

Two of the three suspects were detained a short distance from the scene. Henry Willie Sao, 28, of Long Beach and Paul Darvis Misikei, 19, of Anaheim were arrested and booked on homicide charges.

The third suspect remains outstanding. He was described as an Asian or Pacific Islander man around 17 years old, between 5 feet 8 inches tall to 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds with black, bushy hair. He was dressed in a red or orange button-down shirt, blue jeans and black and white tennis shoes.

Friends and neighbors identified the victim as 59-year-old Jim Rudometkin, but authorities have not confirmed his identity. Grieving loved ones gathered at the scene after hearing about the brazen robbery.

Friends said Rudometkin was a well-known real estate agent who had no enemies and was a man who was kind, generous and highly involved in his church.

"He was a loving man to anybody. He lent a helping hand. He loved you unconditionally. I've known him since I was growing up. He was uncle boo-boo, that's how I knew him," one woman said.

Authorities said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the victim's cause of death. Anyone with information was urged to call the Downey Police Department at (562) 904-2308.