Person of interest identified in Palmdale triple homicide

PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators have identified a person of interest in a triple-homicide case in Palmdale.

LASD officials released a photo of James "Todd" Brown, who is considered a person of interest. Detectives said they believe Brown may have information regarding the murders.

The bodies of two men and a woman were found Saturday afternoon at a home in the 1100 block of Avenue N-12 after deputies were asked to conduct a welfare check at the residence.

The deceased were identified Monday as Richard Gardner II, 78, his wife Pepper Gardner, 56, and his son Richard Gardner III, 52.

Investigators say the victims suffered trauma to their bodies, but the cause of death will be determined by the coroner's office.

According to detectives, Brown was living on the property for at least one or two years.

Detectives are also looking for a 2002 silver Toyota pickup with a camper shell and California license plate #42198C1.

Officials confirmed the vehicle is registered to Brown. He is known to have family and friends that live in the Inland Empire and Antelope Valley.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.