Ann Carrasco-Zanini: Beverly Hills Sees First Homicide of Year: Suspect, Victim Likely Knew Each Other, Cops Say

Beverly Hills has about one cop for every Rolls Royce, so its crime rate is about as low as America's collective self-esteem.

For some reason, however, the city has been on a roll when it comes to homicides in the last few years. The high profile murder of Ronnie Chasen happened almost a year ago. Also last year: 21-year-old Katsutoshi Takazato was slain in what police described as a love-triangle-related attack. In all there were three homicides in 2010.

So far this year? Only one. This one:

A woman of about 58 was found murdered after officers went to a residence in the 100 block of N. Hamilton Drive to check on her welfare yesterday about 1:48 p.m., according to Beverly Hills police.

According to a BHPD statement:

The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect was likely known to the victim and a person of interest was soon detained in a near-by office building. That subject was ultimately arrested on the charge of 187 PC- Homicide; and booked into the Beverly Hills Jail facility. There are no outstanding suspects at this time.

A department official indicated to the Weekly that the identities of the victim and suspect would be released this afternoon.

[Update]: The L.A. County District Attorney's office announced it is charging the victim's 54-year-old boyfriend, identified as James Duane Grzeslo, with murder.

The office alleged in a statement that Grzeslo stabbed the woman to death with a knife. His bail was set at slightly more than $1 million.

The victim was ID'd as Cathy Ann Carrasco-Zanini, 58.

[@dennisjromero/djromero@laweekly.com]