GRIFFITH PARK—On Tuesday, July 8, the Los Angeles Police Department announced a suspect was arrested in connection to the murder of 48-year-old Richard Ware.
The LAPD reported on July 5, 2025, around 2:32 a.m., patrol officers from LAPD’s Northeast Division responded to a radio call of a possible stabbing near the 3200 block of Riverside Drive.
Upon arrival on the scene, officers discovered Ware suffering from a stab wound. Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and, despite life-saving medical efforts, Ware died from injuries sustained and was pronounced dead at the scene.
After gathering witness statements, officers detained Royce Rainey, 36, while conducting a search of the nearby area.
Central Bureau Homicide detectives responded and assumed investigative responsibility and discovered Rainey and Ware were involved in a dispute that escalated into a physical altercation, that resulted in Ware being stabbed.
Rainey was placed under arrest for 187 PC – Murder. His booking number is 7047190, and he is being held without bail.
Anyone with details on the incident is asked to call Detective Abundis or Detective Pintado, Los Angeles Police Department, Central Bureau Homicide, at 213-996-4104. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anyone that wants to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
