> At a Glance
> – Barney Lee, 57, arrested after SWAT operation at Buena Park psychic business
> – Victim Elton Harrell, 29, was assaulted Dec. 29 and died from injuries
> – Business sits feet from Harrell’s homeless encampment across from Knott’s Berry Farm
> – Why it matters: Homeless homicide case closed after 11-day investigation
A late-night SWAT raid on a psychic shop across from Knott’s Berry Farm ended with the arrest of Barney Lee, 57, on suspicion of murdering Elton Harrell, a 29-year-old homeless man who died after a December assault.
The Arrest
Buena Park police served a search warrant at the La Palma Avenue business Wednesday night, detaining a woman who was later released and arresting Lee. Investigators believe Lee may have been living inside the shop located mere feet from where Harrell was attacked on December 29.
Buena Park Police Sgt. Martin Tomsick said detectives are still determining:
- Lee’s relationship to the business
- Whether he was living on-site
- If Harrell knew his alleged attacker
A Mother’s Grief
Barbara Campbell, Harrell’s mother, described her son as mentally ill and beloved by the community that formed around the parking lot he called home.
Campbell told News Of Los Angeles:
> “Everyone loved my son, he was a good guy. Never hurt anybody, never bothered anybody.”
Friends like Cindy Salazar now visit the memorial at the parking lot daily. “He loved being here so much. This is always where we will come to see him now,” Salazar said.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 29 | Elton Harrell assaulted near psychic business |
| Jan. 1-8 | Family searched daily, bringing blankets and clothes |
| Jan. 8 | SWAT raid and arrest of Barney Lee |
Key Takeaways
- Barney Lee, 57, arrested on suspicion of murder after 11-day investigation
- Victim Elton Harrell, 29, was homeless and mentally ill
- Attack occurred across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm
- Police have not disclosed a motive or relationship between suspect and victim
Campbell remains haunted by unanswered questions: “I want to know why someone would take my son’s life like he was nothing. He was something and somebody, and we loved him.”
