A Los Angeles man is facing a murder charge after the dismembered remains of his wife were discovered in their Los Feliz apartment, authorities announced. The victim has been identified as gabriela Garcia, 26, originally from Scotland.
Jonathan Renteria, 25, is being held on $4 million bail following the grim discovery and his subsequent hospitalization for attempted suicide. The case, which began with a welfare check and a concerning note, highlights the hidden tragedies that can occur within seemingly ordinary communities and raises questions about domestic violence and mental health. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to fully understand the circumstances leading to Garcia’s death.
The Los Angeles Police Department initiated a welfare check at the couple’s Los Feliz apartment after receiving data from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on September 11. Deputies in Ventura County had responded to reports of a possible suicide attempt by Renteria and transported him to a hospital for treatment. During the course of their investigation, deputies located a handwritten note allegedly admitting to the murder of his wife.
Upon entering the Los Feliz apartment, officers found Garcia’s body dismembered and in a state of decomposition, according to the LAPD. Authorities have as confirmed Garcia was originally from Scotland and had been living in Los Angeles with Renteria.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has charged Renteria with murder. The West Bureau Homicide unit is leading the investigation, and authorities believe the incident was isolated, posing no ongoing threat to the public.
The identity of garcia was initially withheld pending notification of family overseas. Authorities have now confirmed her identity and are working with the consulate to support her family in Scotland.
Chelsea Hylton is a web producer for CBS Los Angeles. An Inglewood native, Hylton has her master’s degree from USC. She covers local breaking news across the Southern California region.Before joining CBS in 2024, she worked at NBC LA, Telemundo 52, The Los Angeles Times and KOMO 4 News in Seattle.
