Pasadena Man Who Killed His Stepmother in 1986 Admits to Slaying of Retired Doctor in East Los Angeles

A Pasadena man who was released on parole less than three years ago for the fatal beating and stabbing of his stepmother in 1986 admitted Monday to stabbing and strangling a retired gynecologist in her East Los Angeles home last year, authorities said.

Timothy Chavira, 57, pleaded guilty to murder for the Dec. 7, 2019, and also admitted the special curcumstance of having a prior murder conviction, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

“Chavira was immediately sentenced to life in state prison without the possibility of parole as a result of the plea,” district attorney’s office spokesman Ricardo Santiago said.

He used a “sharp object” to stab Editha Cruz de Leon, 76, at her home in the 3900 block of North Van Horne Avenue in East Los Angeles, Santiago said.

De Leon died from “sharp force injuries and strangulation,” according to Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner records.

Police identified Chavira as a suspect and tracked him down in Pasadena about two weeks later, officials said. A motive in the killing was not available.

Chavira was released on parole in July of 2017 after serving nearly three decades in prison for the beating and stabbing death of his stepmother, Laurie Ann Chavira, in 1986.

Victim impact statements are scheduled for July 20 in the Los Angeles branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court.