Police block release of results
By Daily Press Staff
DOWNTOWN The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office has finished an autopsy on an aspiring model and actress from Arizona whose body was discovered in her Santa Monica apartment Sunday, but will not release the cause of death because police have put a “security hold” on the results.
Juliana Maureen Redding, 21, was found dead at 6 p.m. Sunday in the 1500 block of Centinela Avenue.
Assistant Chief Ed Winter of the coroner’s office said it would probably be 30 to 60 days before the results would be made public.
Lt. Alex Padilla, of the Santa Monica Police Department, said a security hold was requested Tuesday because detectives did not want to release any information that could compromise their investigation.
“At this point, we have not made any arrest, and are still waiting for the coroner’s inquest to determine the time and Brandon Wise THE SCENE: Juliana Maureen Redding, 21, was found dead at 6 p.m. Sunday in the 1500 block of Centinela Avenue. SMPD has decided to withhold the results of the autopsy on the victim. cause of death,” Padilla said. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we are interviewing family, friends and neighbors to garner as much information as possible.”
“Juliana’s death is having an effect on the teachers who knew her, they are definitely saddened.” — Rau said
“When she came into my office it was like a breath of fresh air, she was a wonderful girl,”
Redding’s body was discovered after her mother, Patricia Redding, called authorities to report that she had not been able to reach her daughter.
A neighbor told KABC news that she had plans to play pool with Redding, but she hadn’t answered her door and her lights were out.
Police have no suspects, and no similar cases have been reported, Padilla said.
In Redding’s hometown newspaper, the Tucson Citizen, those who knew her said she was an accomplished athlete and a good student at Salpointe Catholic High School, where she spent two years on the track and field team, played golf and soccer, and was in the drama club as well as the student council.
“She was a beautiful girl, she had an outgoing spirit that involved an openness to life,” Sister Helen Rau, Redding’s former school counselor, told the newspaper. “She was an above average student academically.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (310) 458- 8451.
WE TIP HOTLINE ■Anyone having information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the robbery/homicide division of SMPD at (310) 458-8451 or the watch commander at (310) 458-8427. Callers who wish to provide anonymous information may also call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78- CRIME (27463). Callers with information may be eligible for to receive a reward up to $1,000.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 19, 2008. Read the original PDF.