LOS ANGELES, CA – An LA man has been charged with murder after authorities discovered the body of his girlfriend in a hotel room earlier this month.
Uriel Gamboa, 31, was charged Tuesday with the killing of Aliya Pitts, 24, of Sherman Oaks, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Gamboa allegedly called authorities on the evening of January 6, reporting that he had killed his girlfriend inside their room at the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks. He also told dispatchers that he was feeling suicidal, according to court documents.
Deputies responded to the scene shortly before 11 p.m., where they found Pitts’ body. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation determined that she had suffered sharp and blunt force injuries and had likely been strangled, according to reports. Prosecutors allege Gamboa used broken glass to carry out the fatal assault.
After the incident, Gamboa was found in the hotel room with what authorities described as self-inflicted injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment before being taken into custody on January 10.
On Wednesday, prosecutors charged Gamboa with murder and included special allegations that the crime involved the use of a deadly weapon, resulted in great bodily injury, and was committed with significant violence. Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive for the killing, which remains under investigation.
An arraignment has been scheduled for February 10 at Ventura County Superior Court. Gamboa is being held without bail.
Authorities have asked anyone with information regarding the case to contact Detective Christopher Vorzimer at 805-384-4731 or Detective Nicole Grover at 805-384-4722.
