Melrose

MELROSE—On Sunday, January 18 at approximately 3 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department West Bureau responded to a call of a structure fire at a one-story single-family home located at 1323 N. Kenmore Avenue in East Hollywood, not far from Melrose. In over 20 minutes, first responders declared a knockdown structure fire. Initial reports indicated one person was trapped. A search for additional victims was initiated. Multiple units responded to the call. The LAFD Public Information Officer, LAFD Arson, and the LA County Medical Examiner’s Office were called in. A 53-year-old male, and his pet were pronounced dead at the scene. Traffic was delayed for hours. Motorists were encouraged to take alternate routes. No further information is available, at this time. The name of the victim has not been disclosed.   By Sharon

MELROSE—On January 14, reports circulated that a 90-year-old resident of the Kingsley Manor retirement community receiving an eviction notice for $14,000 in fees accumulated, unbeknownst to him.

Song Maeng reportedly offered to pay $14,000 to be able to stay in the place he’s called home since 2024.  Kinglsey Manor gave Maeng two weeks to vacate the building.

According to reports, Kingsley Manor is a not-for-profit community.  They offer month-to-month rental agreements with no large down payments to move in.

Multiple reports indicate Maeng, nor his attorney, Jonathan Segura, understand how $14,000 in fees were accrued without Mr. Song’s knowledge.

Canyon News reached out to Kingsley Manor and to Mr. Segura for more information but did not hear back before print.

 

By Sharon

MELROSE—On January 12, at 1:55 p.m., a 911 caller reported an incident on U.S. Highway 101 North and Santa Monica Boulevard. Los Angeles Fire Department engine 52 and Rescue 3 responded to the call. Citizen first reported, a vehicle fire involving a gray BMW sedan occurred on the Santa Monica Boulevard off-ramp of the northbound 101 Freeway, temporarily blocking the #2 lane from merging into traffic. A Citizen user shared video of firefighters working in the roadway to extinguish flames that fully consumed the BMW, with smoke billowing from the car. Other witnesses reported saw a gray Kia Sorrento on the right shoulder of the freeway with smoke emerging beneath it. According to the California Highway Patrol, a tow truck arrived to remove the vehicle at 2 p.m. The fire was extinguished and the roadway reopened by 2:10 p.m.   By Sharon

MELROSE—On December 29, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department West Bureau responded to a call of a structure fire at Larchmont Apartments located at 5234 Melrose Avenue.

First responders arriving at the scene discovered the fire at the two-story garden-style apartments and extended into the attic. The fire required more units to assist in extinguishing the fire. According to the LAFD, the fire may have started in a second-floor apartment toward the rear of the building.

At 9:51 p.m., the fire was extinguished by 46 firefighters. Firefighters remained on the scene to determine the extent of the damage. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Motorists were encouraged to use alternate routes.

The location was one of the first offices of Canyon News from 2003 until 2004. Canyon News is now located in Beverly Hills.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On November 29, a man left a coffee house at the corner of Stanley Avenue and Melrose Avenue and walked to his car, where he was attacked by a man who stabbed him with a knife. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Division are now searching for the suspect. The victim was stabbed three times. While he defending himself, he also sustained two wounds to his hand. The suspect fled the scene after the attack. The victim drove to the Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center on Cadillac Avenue, where he was treated for his wounds. He received a one-inch laceration to his shoulder. In addition, he also suffered a puncture wound under his left ear and a half-inch laceration on the lower left side of his neck. The victim was unable to provide the police with a description of his attacker. The LAPD is canvassing the area in which the victim was attacked and seeking to find security camera footage that could allow them to identify the attacker. Anyone with information should call the LAPD Wilshire Division at

• (213) 922-8205
• (213) 473-0476

  By Daniel Diquinzio

MELROSE—The Los Angeles Police Department is still searching for the suspect responsible for beating 24-year-old Jessica McLaughlin to the point that she was placed on life support.

Jessica worked at the 7/11 establishment in the 5700 block of Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. She was viciously beaten by her assistant manager, Valeria Parra, while at work on June 24.

“Jessica walked into work expecting a normal day — but instead, she was violently and senselessly attacked by one of her managers. She held her down, sat on top of her, and didn’t let her breathe. While some coworkers tried to help and stop it, they were attacked too. When she finally got free, she collapsed. She wasn’t breathing.

Her coworkers gave her CPR and called for help. Meanwhile, the manager ran to the back room to try and delete the security footage — and then fled the scene on her bike,” said her brother Sean via GoFundMe

Parra attempted to delete video of the attack from the security footage. She fled the scene before authorities arrived. Jessica lost oxygen to her brain for more than 10 minutes.

“Doctors and detectives later confirmed what we already knew in our hearts — Jessica didn’t do anything wrong. She was the victim, and this attack should have never happened,” Sean added.

She was kept alive on machines for several days. The damage from the lack of oxygen was too much. Her brain stopped functioning. After getting second opinions and doing everything they could, the family made the decision to take Jessica off life support on June 30.

Her father, Clancy McLaughlin spoke to KTLA news about the incident, explaining that his daughter was a kind person who gave to all including providing food to the homeless and donating clothes.

“We’re asking for help to cover the costs of her funeral — including the casket, flowers, transportation, and some unexpected legal and medical expenses that have come with this tragedy. If you can help — whether it’s by donating or just sharing this — it would mean everything to us. Every bit helps. We want to lay her to rest with the same love and dignity she gave to others every single day,” Sean stated on the GoFundMe page.

A GoFundMe was set up by Jessica’s brother, Sean to help cover funeral expenses. As of Friday, July 25, the GoFundMe has raised $40,706 of its $50,000 goal. Jessica’s funeral service is expected on Thursday, July 31.

Anyone with details about the incident or has whereabouts on the location of Valeria Parra should contact the LAPD Operations West Bureau Homicide detectives at (213) 473-9470. After-hours details can be left at (877) 527-3247 or provide anonymous tips at (800) 222-8477.

By Danny Jones

MELROSE—On Wednesday, July 2, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that detectives from the Operations West Bureau Homicide are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman who was critically injured during an altercation in Wilshire Division.

The LAPD reported on June 24, around 2:15 p.m., Wilshire Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of a felony battery at a convenience store located in the 5700 block of Melrose Avenue.

Early details in the investigation noted that two women were involved in a verbal dispute inside the business that turned into a physical confrontation.

Responding officers located an unconscious woman in her 20s on the floor of the store. She was later identified as Jessica McLaughlin. Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department transported her to a local hospital, where she remained in critical condition. On July 2, she was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Operations West Bureau Homicide detectives assumed investigative responsibility and obtained video evidence of the incident but are not releasing it at the moment.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office will complete their investigation and determine the cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Operations West Bureau Homicide detectives at (213) 473-9470. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Those wanting to remain anonymous may submit tips through LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Danny Jones

MELROSE—On February 28, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) gave an update on their website to notify the public that two teenagers from the bicycle gang that attacked a man in Melrose have been arrested in connection to an assault that took place on Saturday, February 22. The following statement came directly from the update of the LAPD press release:

“On February 26, 2025, around 11:00 a.m., detectives and officers from the LAPD’s Wilshire Area arrested two juvenile subjects for their involvement in this incident. These two arrests were prompted following an anonymous tip which came soon after the story was made public.”

Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the remainder of the suspects and subjects as well as any additional information that may assist detectives.

Anyone with information on the crime committed by the above suspects is urged to call Wilshire Area’s Detective Carlos, Serial No. 41244, at (213) 922-8229. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

The initial attack that happened on February 22 was reported by witnesses to the crime.
Bystanders reported the following to LAPD, Wilshire Division deputies.

Approximately 20-30 teenagers on bicycles approached a motorist’s car around San Vicente Boulevard and Carrillo Drive. The teens reportedly shouted at the driver and beat and vandalized his car until he exited his vehicle.

At that point, the teens beat and punched the man, knocked him to the ground, and began kicking him. The teens rode away on their bicycles when help arrived.

Paramedics arriving at the scene treated the victim’s injuries and offered transport to an area hospital to which he declined.

By Sharon

MELROSE—On February 22, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Division issued a press release requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a teen bicycle gang responsible for the beating of a man on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Carrillo Drive near Beverly Hills.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., 20-30 teenagers on bicycles approached a man in his car. They began arguing with him and striking his vehicle. The driver exiting his car was knocked down, beaten, and kicked by the teens. When witnesses came to the aid of the victim, the teens rode away on their bicycles.

Witnesses described the suspects as being approximately 16-18 years of age. They were last seen on their bicycles riding southbound on Carrillo Drive.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics responded to the scene and treated the victim’s wounds. The victim declined the offer of transport to an area hospital for further treatment.

Anyone who witnessed the altercation or has information on the identity of the teens or their whereabouts is encouraged to call Wilshire Area’s Detective Carlos, Serial No. 41244, at (213) 922-8229.

During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

By Sharon

MELROSE—On Tuesday, January 30, a robbery occurred at FÜMA Salon on Melrose Hair Lounge at 8252 Melrose Avenue. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division detectives are looking for the victim, who left the scene before officers arrived, and is requesting the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved, LAPD released in a statement. 

At around 4:50 p.m., the victim was followed into FÜMA Salon by two suspects, who demanded his watch. The salon’s security camera footage shows one suspect chasing the victim around the salon, then proceeds to pistol-whip the victim when he resists. The victim was shoved to the ground, then both suspects violently pulled the victim’s watch from his wrist. The suspects then fled in a white 2014 Toyota Corolla. The victim left the scene in a black SUV before the officer’s arrival. There were three witnesses inside the salon when this occurred.

The first suspect was described as a 20 to 25-year-old male, Black, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds, the LAPD statement said. He was seen wearing a gray jumpsuit and armed with a handgun. The second suspect was described as a 20 to 25-year-old male, Black, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds. He was seen wearing dark jeans, a dark hoodie and black sneakers. 

By Wednesday, January 31, at around 9:45 p.m., Riverside County Sheriff’s Department located suspect two, who was driving a white 2014 Toyota Corolla, near the 22800 block of Calle San Juan De Los Lagos in the city of Moreno Valley. Suspect two has been identified as Demetri Sherman. Sherman was arrested and booked for robbery. 

Suspect one remains at large. No injuries were reported. 

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Wilshire Robbery Detective A. Aguayo at (213) 922 – 8215. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800- 222-8477).

By Lacy

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills indicated in a press release that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) will issue a new Health Officer Order that requires customers to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering indoor bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs and lounges.

Under the modified Order, employees and customers are required to have at least one vaccine dose by October 7 and both doses by November 4.

The New Health Officer Order will require workers and attendees at outdoor mega events (consisting of crowds over 10,000 people) to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before working or attending the event.

Attendees at indoor mega events are already required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test prior to entry. These requirements will also apply to theme parks within the county.

While not required, LACDPH also recommends vaccine verification at indoor portions of restaurants to reduce transmission risk.

This announcement impacts businesses in the City of Beverly Hills. When available, theupdated Health Officer Order can be viewed at beverlyhills.org/coronavirus.

To find the nearest vaccination site, visit VaccinateLACounty.com or beverlyhills.org/covidvaccine. For questions about business impacts from the new Health Office Order, email businessrecovery@beverlyhills.org.

To stay updated on the latest COVID-19 news, visit beverlyhills.org/coronavirus or call the City’s COVID-19 Hotline Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 310-550-4680.

By Donald