Det. Mitzi Roberts, who inspired a book character, retires after 29 years of City service.

Det. III Mitzi Roberts

Det. III Mitzi Roberts, one of the department’s most determined crime investigators and who inspired popular author Michael Connelly to create the fictional character Renee Ballard, retired in April after 29 years of City service.

Amongst very many other cases, in 2018 Det. III Roberts of Robbery-Homicide Division tracked down the serial killer who police say was responsible for more than 90 murders, many of which took place in Los Angeles.

“Thank you for your dedicated service, Det. Mitzi Roberts!” Dep. Chief Ruby Flores wrote in a social post. “You left an indelible mark on the LAPD and impacted many lives in the communities we proudly serve. Wishing you the best in your next chapter; and know we are grateful for your service.”

Author Michael Connelly, Det. Mitzi Roberts, and The Dark Hours, a crime novel partly inspired by Det. Roberts.

Congratulations on a career of great service, Det. Roberts! Thank you for your dedication to Los Angeles.

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