LASD Files on Joyce Helen King

On August 11, 2025, I submitted a public records request to the LA County Sheriff's Department (LASD) asking for any available files regarding the murder of Joyce Helen King. In my request, I asked for the following:

"[...] any files in the possession of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department regarding the homicide of Joyce Helen King, an Iñupiaq woman found murdered in Lynwood on January 1, 1972."

"[...] the initial responding officer's report, supplemental reports, and/or any official correspondence across agencies that mention Ms. King  that are not exempt from disclosure."

The LASD's deadline to reply was extended on August 20th by two weeks due to needing more time to search through records.

On September 4, 2025, I received the following response from LASD:

"Response: Enclosed is one (1) 'Complaint Report' for 077-17441-2010-011 associated to Joyce Helen King. Portions of this record are redacted under, but not limited to, the following authorities: California Constitution, article I section 1; and Government Code sections 7927.705 and 7922.00. Please note, an incident report was not generated."

The pdf below is the file that I received in response to my public records request from LASD. I have also transcribed the pdf below. I politely ask that anyone who uses these files online to please note that the file is accessible as a result of my request, and that I am uploading it in the public's interest.

Note: The file lists Joyce King's race as Caucasian. This is, in part, incorrect: Joyce was half Iñupiaq, half white, though she was not white presenting.

Transcription 

Location: Alley rear of 11513 Louise St., Lynwood

Time: BT 0230-0300 hrs, Jan. 1, 1972

S [Suspect?] - Unknown

Complaint Report, File no. 077-17441-2010-011,  date May 11, 1977

"On April 26, 1977, Investigators received a Homicide Investigation package concerning the murder of the victim, from Lynwood Police Department, file #C72-5.  This package revealed that the woman had sustained numerous stab wounds and a severed throat at the location.  This report is initiated due to LASD assuming the police function in the City of Lynwood on May 1, 1977. Further investigative reports to follow.

William A Wilson, deputy, unsolved homicides unit-homicide bureau; approved: Lt David M Hagthrop" 

File No. C-72-5 

Jan. 1, 1972;   Time: Discovery: 7:55am, Call: 7:58am

Locations: West alley of Louise St., Rear of 11513 Louise St.

Victim: Joyce Helen King, 24yr; 5'5, 114 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes

Clothing: White fur type waist length coat, white long sleeve fringe blouse, blue levis, brown pantyhose, white panties, brown high top shiny leather boots

Informant: Phillip Paul Templin, M/W, 56yo

Statement:  I backed my vehicle out of my garage and headed north in the alley. I observed what appeared to be a woman lying beside the alley. When I observed the blood around her head, I called the Police right away. I did not go near the body or touch anything. I did not hear anything during the night.

Evidence:  1)  48 photos taken of the crime scene by Sgt Sauls

2) White paper bag with name of Jack in the Box on front containing: a) Bonus Burger, b) Two regular burgers, c) Order of french fries. All items wrapped and uneaten

3) Blue 10in comb 

(Evidence #2-3 found near victim's body marked and placed in evidence-Lynwood PD)

4) Medical Examiner inventory slip 

1.  Two white metal rings on victim's left hand
2. Brown coin purse containing $78.57  [$617.56 today]  found in victim's right coat pocket
3. Mickey Mouse watch with red strap band
4. White metal cigarette lighter found in right pants pocket
5. Yellow metal cigarette on chain found in left pants pocket
6. Small key found in coin purse
7. Pair of black horn rim glasses found near victim's body 

Officers:  D. Kellogg & Sgt G Sauls of the Lynwood PD

The above officers can testify to all observations made at crime scene. Sgt. Sauls took photos of crime scene. Officer Kellogg drew crime scene sketch.

WITNESS:  David Pena, M/Mex, 40yo, [redacted address] (House on alley) [redacted info]. He states that he and his wife were out to a party, they returned at approximately 3:00am, they did not hear anything.

WITNESS: Charles F. Marshall, M/W 55yo, [redacted address and/or other info (DOB?)]. He states that he was home all evening and did not hear anything.

WITNESS: Edythe Sharp, M/W 58yo [redacted address, etc.]. States that she went to bed at 1200hours but could not sleep. At approximately 0100 or 0130 she heard what sounded like a woman yelling. She further states that the yells sounded like the woman was mad at someone. She stated that she did not check any further and did not hear any words spoken by the voice.

DETAILS: 

The U/S Officer along with Sgt Sauls responded to the rear of 11513 Louise St, Lynwood in regards to a possible dead body. Upon arrival at location, we were contacted by a Mr Phillip Templin. He pointed out the body, which was lying off of the alley way to the rear of a home. The U/S Officer observed the body to be that of a F/W approximately 23yrs. She was lying on her back. Her coat and blouse and bra were pushed up above the breasts. The victim's panties and levis were pulled down to the ankles exposing the victim's stomach and private parts. The victim's legs were partially spread open. The victim's throat was cut from the left ear to the middle of her neck. Victim's stomach was cut open from just below the rib cage to the pubic hairline. The victim had a two (2) inch slit on both breasts. She also had numerous cuts on stomach and thighs. The U/S Officers observed the body to be cold and lividity had already started to set in. The victim appeared to have been killed at location due to the ground around the body was disturbed, and a large amount of blood was under victim's head. Near the victim's body was a white paper bag with the name of Jack in the Box on the front. The bag contained three (3) hamburgers and one (1) order of french fries. Next to the bag was a pair of black horned rim eyeglasses. Between the victim's legs, lying on the ground, was a blue 10inch comb.

The murder weapon was not found at the scene. The cuts appeared to have been made by a very sharp instrument. The U/S Officer was unable to observe any visible footprints near the body. Upon arrival of the coroner the U/S Officer assisted in moving the body. 

At this time Sgt Sauls noted that there was dirt up inside victim's pant legs as if she had been kicking her feet prior to being killed. The victim's fingernails were not broken off and appeared to be clean. 

The victim's under clothing was clean and she appeared to be well-groomed. The blue comb found between her legs appeared to be dirty and possibly does not belong to victim. The comb was tagged and placed into evidence. The body was transported to County Coroner's Office.

Det. Grant contacted Glen Larson who lives at [redacted address]. He stated that his girl friend left his home on the morning of the 1st (Saturday) and had not returned home yet. She had left enroute to the Jack in the Box on Atlantic Ave and Century Blvd to pick up some hamburgers.

Mr Larson handed Det. Grant his girl friend's driver's license with her picture on it, which was in her purse that she had left at house prior to leaving. At this time the victim was identified as Mr. Larson's girl friend.

See Det. Grant's follow-up investigation report.

                                        D. Kellogg