Authorities have charged the grandson of a 75-year-old South Pasadena woman and another man in connection with her fatal stabbing in June, following a months-long investigation.
Bikramjot Padda, 28, and Josh Atkins, 44, are facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree burglary in the death of Susan Miller, whose body was discovered in her home on June 4.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Atkins was charged on Nov. 14, with the added special allegation of using a deadly weapon. Padda was charged on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
According to reports, booking records reveal that Padda was initially arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau on June 18 but was released on June 20 due to insufficient evidence to file a complaint. Investigators continued their work, ultimately arresting Padda again on Nov. 16. Atkins was taken into custody by the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau on Nov. 12.
At the time of the news release, authorities have not disclosed the relationship between the two suspects or their cities of residence. Both men are in custody; Atkin’s bail is $2.02 million while Padda’s bail is $2.05 million, and are scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles courtroom on Dec. 19.
Miller’s body was discovered in her home in the 800 block of Brent Avenue by two of her grandchildren, who called 911. It remains unclear if Padda was one of those who found her. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Miller died from multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma.
The arrests and subsequent charges followed a five-month investigation by detectives from the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, who presented their findings to the District Attorney’s Office. Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive for the killing.
This case has left the tight-knit South Pasadena community in shock. As court proceedings move forward, residents continue to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau.
