North Hollywood : Woman, 74, Found Stabbed to Death

Los Angeles police on Tuesday were trying to find the killer of a 74-year-old North Hollywood woman who was described by family members as a former masseuse to the stars.

Erina de Walden was found stabbed to death Monday evening inside her apartment in the 4400 block of Vineland Avenue, police said.

“I don’t have any more tears to cry,” Christian de Walden, the victim’s son. said. “How could somebody do this?

“She was very well-liked, she lived a good life, but what a way to finish.”

De Walden said his wife found his mother bleeding and slumped on her bed Monday evening. The discovery was made after she went to Erina de Walden’s apartment to check on her welfare, Christian de Walden said, adding that the last time his mother was seen alive was Friday night when she joined a friend for dinner and a movie.

Police have not identified a motive for the crime or suspects, Lt. Ron LaRue said.

De Walden said he found it strange that his mother’s dog was found locked in the bathroom and her purse and cosmetics bag were found inside a trash can. A wallet containing credit cards and cash was missing, but there were no signs of forced entry into the apartment, police said.

De Walden said that prior to his mother’s retirement she worked under the name “Egizia” and was a masseuse to a number of Hollywood stars, including actress Lily Tomlin.

“When I told Lily she was absolutely shocked,” Jennifer Allen, Tomlin’s publicist, said. “She just kept saying she couldn’t believe what I was telling her.”

In addition to her skills as masseuse, Erina de Walden, who was born in Italy and lived much of her life in Egypt, was also an avid bridge player and a devout Catholic, family members said.