Standoff with barricaded suspect in Palmdale turns into homicide investigation

An hours-long standoff ended in an arrest on Saturday, but detectives immediately transitioned to begin handling the investigation as a homicide. 

The ordeal began at around 10:30 a.m. in the 37400 block of Oxford Drive, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. It was then that deputies were dispatched to the area to perform a welfare check. 

Hours later at around 1:50 p.m., LASD's Special Enforcement Bureau was called to the scene to help try and persuade the suspect to stand down. 

Out of an abundance of safety, deputies evacuated homes in the surrounding area. 

At around 9:45 p.m., LASD said that the standoff had come to a conclusion with the suspect in custody, but that they were transitioning to handle the incident as a homicide investigation after the body of an adult male was found at the scene.

On Tuesday, he was identified as 69-year-old Palmdale man Alex Betancourt by the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner. No cause of death was announced. 

The suspect has not yet been identified. 

No further information was provided. 

Anyone who may know more is asked to contact LASD at (661) 272-2400.