Reward offered in death of Marine found beaten, run over in Bellflower

Tony Kurzweil
·2 min read
2

A $20,000 reward is being offered in the search for whoever brutally beat and ran over a Marine who died in Bellflower earlier this year.

Law enforcement investigators and devastated family members spoke about the incident and their search for the killers of 42-year-old Peter Chounthala during a news conference Wednesday.

“Peter was loved by many. He was a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a friend and a Marine, said his sister, Witpha Chounthala, during the news conference.

  • Peter Chounthala
    Peter Chounthala is seen in an image provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
  • Authorities are searching for this vehicle in connection with the death of Peter Chounthala
    Authorities are searching for this vehicle in connection with the death of Peter Chounthala in Bellflower. (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

The active duty marine and father of a 3-year-old boy was badly beaten and left on the pavement during an assault that occurred around 2 a.m. on May 28 near Virginia Avenue and Artesia Boulevard.

Detectives believe Chounthala was then struck by a driver in a dark-colored 4-door 2021 to 2023 model Kia K5 that fled the scene.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and treated Chounthala, who died from his injuries.

“Investigators believe that Mr. Chounthala was an innocent victim of these senseless acts of violence,” LASD Lt. Patricia Thomas said.

Authorities do not have a description of the driver or assault suspects but do believe there were witnesses that night and asked them to come forward.

Chounthala was due to retire from military service this year and planned to be a stay-at-home dad.

“He was everything to me, to my family … He’s like the glue that held us together,” wife Jurina Chounthala said.

The $20,000 reward was authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 323-890-5500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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