Police Continue to Investigate Burglary at Dead Man's Home

The suspect who  after he died is likely to be someone who knew him, police said Tuesday. 

"There was no forced entry ... The key to the front door is missing along with car keys and his car," said Detective Bill Earley. "They found his dog in Downey. Everything is still outstanding, except for the dog."

Also stolen was his computer, cell phone and wallet, according to police. 

Earley said Santamaria, 51, called in sick to his job on Thursday, May 17—and then didn't show on the following Friday or Monday.

That's when his friends got worried, and found him deceased in his apartment around noon Monday on the 1600 block of Amberwood Drive. He had been dead for about 36 to 48 hours, said Earley. 

A toxicology report is still pending, but Earley said preliminary information from the LA County Coroner's Office indicate the death was a result of natural causes.

Santamaria's car is still missing and is described as a green 2001 Honda Civic with the California license plate 4PIM316.

Earley is asking that anyone with information regarding this investigation contact him directly on his cell at 626-318-5552.

Check back with Patch for updates. 

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