Theodore H. Gould, BHS 1961

Theodore H. Gould, BHS 1961

The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, California, Thursday, August 2, 1973

VALLEY MAN FOUND DEAD AFTER SEVERE BEATING

The severely beaten body of a North Hollywood man was found lying on the shoulder of Mulholland Drive late Tuesday following what authorities termed a brutal slaying.

The county coroner’s office identified the man as Theodore H. Gould, 29, of 11941 Albers Street. Police said they were looking for a suspect who was spotted running from the scene by a passerby.

The body was found about 11 p.m. lying outside a parked car which was headed in the wrong direction on Mulholland Drive between Laurel Pass Ave. and Laurel Canyon Ave, police said. A woman driving past the dead body called police.

Gould apparently died after being bludgeoned about the head and face, possibly with a rock, authorities said.

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The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, California, Friday, August 3, 1973

Link Slaying to Suspect In Car Theft

A 19-year-old North Hollywood man was booked yesterday on suspicion of murder by Los Angeles police after being arrested by Gardena authorities for auto theft.

The arrested man was identified as Jerry Lee Sumerlin of 10620 Victory Blvd. He was booked in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Theodore H. Gould of 11941 Albers St., North Hollywood. Gould’s severely beaten body was found lying on the shoulder of Mulholland Drive near Laurel Canyon Blvd. late Tuesday night.

 Investigators said Sumerlin was arrested Wednesday for auto theft charge but was booked again by police just before noon yesterday on the murder charge.

Authorities declined to discuss a possible motive in the case. They said the suspect was scheduled to be arraigned in Municipal Court in Van Nuys this afternoon. Gould apparently died after being savagely beaten, possibly with a rock, about the head and face, police said. An autopsy has been scheduled.

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Van Nuys News, August 6, 1973

Youth 19 Charged With Beating Death of Man

Nineteen-year-old Jerry Lee Sumerlin of 10620 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, was formally charged with first degree murder, Friday in the beating death of Theodore H. Gould.

Sumerlin pleaded innocent before Municipal Court Judge Edward Davenport, in Van Nuys, who scheduled a preliminary hearing for August 14 in Division 104. No bail was set. He was arrested by Gardena police Wednesday on suspicion of auto theft, but turned over to Los Angeles authorities Thursday.

Gould’s body was found lying on the shoulder of Mulholland Drive near Laurel Canyon Blvd. by a passerby late Tuesday. He had been beaten to death, an autopsy revealed. He was 29.

Authorities declined to discuss a possible motive for the murder, but said only that the defendant and Gould, who had lived at 11941 Albers Street, North Hollywood, had known each other.

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The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, California, Friday, August 24, 1973

STRUGGLE DESCRIBED DURING HEARING ON DEATH OF MAN

A witness testified Wednesday that he observed a “struggle” between two men in a car parked on Mulholland Drive near Laurel Canyon Blvd. late on the evening of July 31 which resulted in the death of a Burbank man.

David Swezey 27, the witness, also testified that Jerry Lee Sumerlin, the defendant, had told him twice earlier that evening that Theodore H. Gould he was going to “get” Theodore H. Gould 29, the victim.

Arraignment Set

Sumberlin was held to answer on a murder charge following a preliminary hearing before Municipal Judge Leila Bulgrin. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Van Nuys, Dept. R.

Swezey, who has been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony, said he drove a short distance behind a car containing Gould and Sumberlin to the isolated hilltop location and was “about five to eight yards"  when he witnessed the killing.

Sumerlin was holding Gould’s head back and making slashing motions at his throat. I could hear Gould say, “no, Jerry, no,” and then he screamed,”Swezey testified.

Events Cited

Swezey said that Sumerlin, Gould and himself were under the influence of LSD at the time of the slaying, and that the defendant had lured Gould to the isolated location by telling him they were going to obtain more LSD from a drug “rip-off” which had taken place in Burbank a couple of nights before.

Swezey answered “yes” but said he couldn’t recall details when prosecuting Dept. Dist. Atty. Sterling Norris asked, “Did the defendant ever say anything to you to the effect that Gould was talking too much?” 

Witness Testified

Mrs. Valerie Swezey 30, who also has been given immunity, said that when Sumerlin returned to his apartment at 10620 Victory Blvd. about three hours after the killing, he stated, “I used a razor blade; I cut his (Gould’s) throat  and just to make sure I took a rock to his head.”

Gould’s severely beaten body was found by police after they had received a call from a woman driving by the Mulholland location. She also reportedly gave police a description of a man she saw fleeing from the vicinity of Gould’s parked vehicle.

Sumerlin, who police said migrated from Virginia about five months ago, was arrested in Gardena the day after the killing. Police said Gould, a life-long resident of Burbank had been living in North Hollywood. Judge Bulgrin denied a defense motion that bail be set for Sumerlin, who remains in County Jail.

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The Van Nuys News, Thursday, November 1, 1973

Trial Postponed for Valley Man In Beating Death

Trial has been continued until Friday, December 7, for a North Hollywood man charged with the beating death of a Burbank man last July 31, on Mulholland Drive near Laurel Canyon Blvd. The trial is scheduled for Superior Court in Van Nuys Dept. M.

Jerry Lee Sumerlin 19, who had been living at 10620 Victory Blvd., was arrested about a day after the body of Theodore H. Gould 29, was found at the hilltop location. Sumerlin is being held at County Jail without bail.

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Stephen Edward Adler, BHS 1965

Stephen Edward Adler, BHS 1965

Stephen Edward Adler, 75, of Mancos, Colorado, died 5/30/2023, Valley Inn in Mancos, Born 9/2/1947. A service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on June 14 at Thunderbird Ranch, 11020 County Road 105, Mancos. Stephen Edward succumbed to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Stephen was the son of Antoinette "Toni" May Adler and Charles Calvin Adler.

He is survived by his son, Zachary Adler (32) and his older brother Gary Adler Fourstar.

Stephen was a professional singer who started his career at age 6 and pursued his love of music his entire life. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald, Durango, Colorado on Jun. 7, 2023.

Carole Suzanne Mall, BHS 1956

Carole Suzanne Mall, BHS 1956

Carole Suzanne Mall, 85, of San Diego, California, passed away on February 26, 2024, in San Diego, California. She was born on November 4, 1938. Carole was a beloved school teacher at Alpine Elementary, known for her friendly, outgoing, and warm personality. Outside of her career, Carole pursued her passions as an avid photographer, outdoorswoman, and nature lover. She found joy in capturing the beauty of the world around her through her lens. 

Carole is survived by her children Theresa Russell, Denise Woodcock, Mitchell Paup, Charles Ehrlich, and Sharon Ehrlich, her brother Larry Mall, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter Baylor Mall and Lois Mall, her brother Richard Mall, and her sister Lois Mall.Carole will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sierra Club in memory of Carole Mall. 

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on May 5, 2024.

Karen James Goodrich Hedrick, BHS 1960

Karen James Goodrich Hedrick, BHS 1960

Published in the Spokesman – Review, Spokane, Washington

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Karen J. Goodrich-Hedrick passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of April 24, 2018 at the age of 75. Karen was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 22, 1942 to Manzer and Florence Goodrich. The family moved to Southern California in 1949 where she graduated from Burbank High School with the Class of 1960. Karen attended UCSB where she met John Hedrick and they were married in 1961 and moved to Sasebo, Japan. Karen continued with her college education, living in Japan, Connecticut, Hawaii and California, graduating from San Diego State University in 1968 with a BA in History and German.

In the mid-70’s Karen (aka Karen James) lived in Philadelphia with her family and became a singer/songwriter and performed with her guitar and dulcimer with the band “Committee of Correspondence.” Moving back to San Diego, Karen decided to become an educator and received her teaching credential in 1986. An M. Ed soon followed and she taught second and fifth grade at Bird Rock Elementary School for 23 years, retiring in 2005. Just prior to retiring, she traveled to Guatemala and fell in love with the children in the city of Santiago Atitian. She met Amanda Flayer, a former Peace Corps volunteer and they developed an instant rapport over their mutual concerns with the educational needs of the Mayan children in Santiago. They became co-founders of La Biblioteca Puerta Abierta, starting in a small room in a building in the heart of Santiago. The learning center continued to grow and now is a recognized school in Guatemala with eight teachers and a library of over 2,000 books and a traveling library that services six surrounding communities.

Karen moved to Spokane in 2009 and became a Substitute Teacher with Spokane City Schools and during her free time taught English to recent immigrants. Karen belonged to many clubs and professional organizations in Spokane including AAUW, DKG, PEO, Symphony Associates, Compass Club, Spokane Dinner Club, Monday Lunch Bunch and others.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Nancy Goodrich. She is survived by her husband John, sons David and Stephen Hedrick, daughters-in-laws, Lauri and Andrea, six grandchildren, Chelsea, Lindsey, John, Brandon, Delivan and Cooper and two great- grandchildren, Riley and Grayson.

Karen will live on through all her students, friends and colleagues whose lives she touched throughout her years. Her warm smile and infectious laugh will never be forgotten!

Tax deductible Memorials can be made by visiting Karen’s favorite charity at www.atitianabierta.com or send directly to: The Sparks Foundation, PO Box 9459, Jackson, WY, 83002. Please make a note “La Puerta Abierta.” As Karen always said, “Muchas gracias por apoyar a nuestra escuela”! A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.     

Sandra Lee Shaw, BHS 1962

Sandra Lee Shaw, BHS 1962

Published in The Montana Standard, Butte, Montana, Monday, May 5, 1969

Missoula woman killed, 2 hurt in one-car crash south of Brady

CONRAD – Sandra Shaw, 24, Missoula, was killed Saturday in a one-car accident on Interstate 15 about five miles south of Brady, Pondera County authorities said. The spokesman said the accident happeded on a straight stretch of the road. Two other persons were injured in the wreck and are reported recovering in St. Mary’s Hospital in Conrad.

Pondera County Coroner Patrick Wyse said no inquist is planned into the death at this time. Miss Shaw’s father, Earl Shaw, lives in Burbank, CaliforniaWyse said. The death was the 77th of the year on Montana’s highways, compared to 62 on this date one year ago.

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Independent-Observer, Conrad, Montana, Thursday, May 8, 1969

1 killed, 2 hospitalized in Brady area accident

A Missoula woman was killed and her two companions hospitalizes Saturday afternoon, May 3, in a one-car accident 5 miles south of Brady on Highway 91. Sandra Lee Shaw, 24, of Missoula was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Mary’s Hospital in Conrad. Arlene Matt, 20, of Arlee, and Betty Old Person, 18, of Browning are reported in fair condition.

Highway Patrolman Frank Forsman, investigating officer, reports that the trio were headed south when Miss Shaw apparently lost control of the 1966 Volkswagen station wagon she was driving. The vehicle skidded sideways across the highway and rolled twice in the borrow pit, throwing all three occupants out. They were brought to Conard by Pondera County ambulance.

 

Wesley Lyle Hoggan, BHS 1951

Wesley Lyle Hoggan, BHS 1951

Simi Valley Star, Simi Valley, California, Saturday, May 18, 1996

Wesley Lyle Hoggan, age 63, died May 15, 1996 at his home in Simi Valley.

Mr. Hoggan was graduated from Burbank High School and attended one year at Glendale Community College. He then attended Brigham Young University where he graduated. He served in the Naval Air for four years and worked on the flight deck of the ships during the war. 

He served his mission for two and a half years in Berlin, Germany. He was one of the first missionaries in Germany after the war. Mr. Hoggan sang with the Southern California Mormon Choir and sang with the Harmony Oaks Chorus, a men’s barber shop group. He and his sister used to dance in dance competitions, and he danced with his sister on a TV program. He has been involved with numerous plays and Community Theater. 

He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Kiwanis. He was married for five years to Karen Lee Cassell, prior to his marriage to Inella. From this first marriage, Kari Dawn was born in March 1967.

He is survived by his wife, Inella May Hoggan of Simi Valley; daughter, Kari Dawn Hoggan Jordan of Ukiah; daughter, Tammy Colleen Hoggan of Simi Valley; and sister, Lela Hoggan of Burbank.

Visitation will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Simi Valley in the Sinaloa Building on Monday, May 20, 1996 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with the service to follow. Burial will be at Glen Haven Memorial Park in San Fernando. Arrangements by Reardon Simi Valley Mortuary.

Tina Lynn Gonzalez Bass, BHS 1987

Tina Lynn Gonzalez Bass, BHS 1987

JANUARY 23, 1969 – JANUARY 2, 2024

TINA LYNN BASS, AGE 54, OF BURBANK, CALIFORNIA PASSED AWAY ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2024.

Tina was the daughter of Dan Gonzalez and Judi Gascoigne. She was raised in Burbank and attended Burbank schools, graduating from Burbank High School in 1987. She attended CSULB and earned her teaching degree.

Growing up, Tina played softball and basketball through the Parks department, being coached by her father, Dan. She also played basketball at BHS. She was also a member of National Charity League. Tina taught 6th grade at John Muir Middle School and was a technician and facilitator at Cri Help. Tina married Mike Bass in 2005 but sadly she became a widow in 2017. She never recovered from the loss.

She is survived by her mother, Judi Gascoigne, and her sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Les Cohen.

Tina was preceded in death by her husband Mike, father Dan Gonzalez, stepfather Jim Gascoigne, and her four beloved grandparents.

Our hearts are broken, but her faith was very strong. We believe she is now at peace with God. Tina had a kind and compassionate heart, and she was always happiest helping others.

Burial services will be private, please reach out to the family for more information.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you donate to Cri Help 11027 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood CA 91601 - (818) 985-8323.

Steven Douglas Howland, BHS 1968

Steven Douglas Howland, BHS 1968

Goleta Today, Goleta, California, Friday, March 25, 1977

Victim of freak accident. Goleta man’s body found.

The body of a Goleta man was found early Thursday afternoon near the intersection of Ellwood Station Road at Calle Real, just off the freeway.

The man, identified as Steven Douglas Howland, 27, 148 San Marino, was found by some young children at 12:40 p.m., according to Tom Nelson, coroner’s investigator.

Howland, his brother and a friend had apparently been running from the Calle Real side of Highway 101 to the Hollister Ave side, Nelson explained at “around 1 a.m.”  “The boys said they “lost track of where he was,” and continued on to Fubar (a bar on Hollister Ave). They said they figured he went home.” 

Nelson described the victim as “tripping in the dark.” “He probably struck his head on a concrete culvert pipe,” said Larry Gillespie, chief deputy coroner. “He was not struck by an automobile.” Both Gillespie and Nelson said Howland had apparently jumped over the fence and fell.

When the victim’s brother and friend saw CHP cars and sheriff’s cars at the scene Thursday, they “came over and gave the information,” Nelson said.

Both spokesmen for the coroner said that the area of the freeway, from Ellwood Station at Calle Real to Ellwood Station at Hollister, seemed to be a “quite common route.” The fence near the scene of the death “was bent down and all messed up.” Both men labeled the death a “freak accident,” and stressed the path is a dangerous area for pedestrians.

Donald David MacLean, BHS 1964

Donald David MacLean, BHS 1964

Published in the Ventura County Star – Free Press, Ventura, California

Tuesday, June 30, 1992

Donald D. MacLean, 46, Camarillo, died Monday at home following a long illness. Mr. MacLean was born September 24, 1945, in Glendale, and was a 19-year county resident coming from Los Angeles.

He and his wife, Diane,owned and operated the Financial Plaza Shell Station in Oxnard for 15 years and currently owned and operated Boulevard Shell in Oxnard. He was a member of Buenaventura Church of Christ.

He is survived by wife Diane; father and step-mother, Harold and Ruth MacLean of Fullerton; brother Hugh MacLean of La Mesa; two sister-in-laws Karen Meehan of Bakersfield and KatherineVaughn of Baker, Oregon; neice, Jennifer Vaughn of San Jose; and nephew, Sean Meehan of Bakersfield.

Friends may call from noon until 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home with Mr. Gallen Evans of the Buenaventura Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in Ivy Lawn Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wellness Community in Westlake Village, 5655 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 104, Westlake Village, California, 91362.

Robert "Bob" Frank Erb, BHS 1962

Robert "Bob" Frank Erb

April 2, 1944 - February 4, 2023

Robert F. (Bob) Erb passed away in Chino Valley, Arizona, on Feb. 4, 2023. He was born in Glendale, California, on April 2, 1944 to Frank and Ruby Erb. 

Bob served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967. He then worked as a sheet metal worker from 1971 to 1999. He and his wife, Elaine moved to Chino Valley in 1999 to enjoy their retirement. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elaine and daughter Sandra Erb of Merced, California. 

Services are planned at Heritage Funeral Home in Chino Valley at 480 W Palomino Rd, Chino Valley, AZ 86323 at 11 a.m. Thursday Feb. 9, followed by Graveside Services at Chino Valley Cemetery.