At a busy North Hollywood intersection Sunday, the father of Cheree Osmanhodzic stood under a huge electronic billboard bearing the likeness of the man suspected of brutally stabbing his 34-year-old daughter and setting fire to her home to cover up the crime.
When Mike Cameron looked at the billboard at Lankershim and Chandler boulevards, he winced, noting with disgust that the suspect, Omar Armando Loera, and his daughter share the same birthdate. But he hopes the sign, looming above a bus stop and Metro station, will help lead to the capture of Loera and provide some piece of mind.
Billboard owner Clear Channel donated the space and arranged for the message to be in constant rotation.
Cameron and dozens of Osmanhodzic's family and friends gathered to remind the community that police have yet to apprehend her killer. Loera faces one count each of murder, burglary, arson and assault stemming from the July 24 slaying in the Valley Village home of Osmanhodzic, who was to have been married Sept. 24.
Prosecutors also charged the parolee with the special circumstances of murder during a burglary and arson, which could make him eligible for the death penalty. In July, police announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in Osmanhodzic's slaying.
Investigators said DNA evidence links Loera to the crime. He is said to be a transient who collects bottles and cans for money and frequents the North Hollywood area. Family members urged the community to be on the lookout.
"By now she would have been married a week now, but instead we had to put her into the ground," Cameron said. "To the public, you need to turn this guy in, if not for the money, for justice for my daughter."
Sunday's gathering was also attended by police and City Councilmen Paul Krekorian and Tom LaBonge, who said they wanted to send a strong message to the suspect and anyone who might be shielding him.
"We are coming after you, this community is coming after you, and we are going to get you," said Krekorian, who represents the area. "To any family and friends who may be hiding Loera and providing comfort and support, you will be arrested and brought to justice."
On the evening of the slaying, Osmanhodzic's fiance, Adam Culvey, returned to the couple's home from the store and confronted a stranger who ran out of the house. Culvey, who did not attend Sunday's event, told authorities he chased the man for several blocks before giving up. Upon returning, he found the residence in flames.
Los Angeles Police Department Officer Manuel Arreygue, senior lead officer for Valley Village, said Sunday that police have not determined why Osmanhodzic was targeted. Police believe Loera is a U.S. citizen, "but nothing is concrete," he said. There have been reports that Loera had been seen in East Los Angeles and the Harbor Area as well as Studio City.
At Sunday's event, dozens of supporters fanned onto sidewalks and into nearby businesses to distribute leaflets with Loera's description.
Although they are disappointed Loera hasn't been apprehended, family and friends said they remain hopeful.
"He's somewhere under a rock hiding out," said Karina Salmeron, 34, who had known Osmanhodzic for 10 years. "Eventually they will capture him. It's only a matter of time."
