Friends and relatives are mourning the loss of 33-year old Deseret Favila, stabbed to death in her home on the 1000 Block of Griswold Avenue in the city of San Fernando.
Her husband — a former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy — was arrested in her killing. Jorge Casas, 37, appeared at the San Fernando courthouse on Monday, Jan. 23, and was charged with one count of murder. He is being held in lieu of a $2 million bond. His next scheduled court appearance is Feb. 8.
A go-fund-me page has been set up for Favila, who was described as “a kind and great mother.”
San Fernando Police Chief Tony Vairo told the San Fernando Valley Sun/El Sol that the couple’s three children, ages 4,6 and 8, were initially turned over to the county Department of Children’s Protective Services but have since been placed with relatives.
“This is so unfortunate, now these kids won’t have either their mom or dad,” Vairo said.
While Casas was reported to be a former Sheriff’s deputy, Vairo said his employment there was only for a short time.
“I believe he worked as a Sheriff’s deputy for less than two years,” Vairo said.
A Sheriff’s Department statement indicated Casas resigned in 2006 for personal reasons.
San Fernando police officers were sent to the couple’s home at about 2:55 a.m. on Jan. 19 in response to a 911 call of a “medical emergency, possible assault,” according to a Sheriff’s statement.
But the call would come too late. Favila was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff’s homicide detectives assisted San Fernando police in the investigation.
Casas, who was at the house when police arrived, was detained as a possible suspect at the scene and questioned.
The couple’s children were in the home at the time of the stabbing, but were not injured and according to police, they did not witness the murder.
For those who are interested in contributing to assist the family, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/wpbgbzk-desi-favila