Tag: death

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, October 16, the employee who was shot during a shooting at Santa Monica College has died, Lt. Erika Aklufi with the Santa Monica Police Department confirmed to Canyon News.

Santa Monica College (SMC) Custodial Operations Manager Felicia Hudson, 54, of Newman, Georgia was fatally injured following a shooting that occurred at the SMC Center for Media & Design (CMD) on Monday, October 14. Hudson was transported by first responders to a local area hospital where she passed away from her injuries at approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16.

The SMPD released information confirming that the suspect behind this incident was apprehended by law enforcement near El Segundo Blvd. and Aviation Blvd. in Hawthorne. He was found deceased inside his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. SMPD detectives identified Davon Durell Dean, a custodian at the college, as the suspected shooter.

The SMPD is leading this ongoing investigation, and additional updates will be coming from SMPD. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact SMPD at 310-458-8491. No additional suspects are involved, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic loss of our colleague Felicia Hudson, who served the college for nearly three decades with dedication and heart. She took great pride in being a steadfast coworker and leader,” said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery. “To Felicia’s family, loved ones and friends, SMC extends our heartfelt condolences and prayers. The college will be conducting a thorough review of this incident. SMC is providing crisis counseling services to employees and students as we grieve our irreplaceable colleague.”

In an email to the college community, Dr. Jeffery shared that the Santa Monica College Foundation has established a legacy fund in collaboration with Hudson’s family: foundation.smc.edu/felicia-hudson.

By Trevor

TOPANGA CANYON—On Friday, August 23, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Bureau Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved in the murder of a 61-year-old male.

The LAPD reported around 6:12 p.m., Topanga area patrol officers responded to a radio call of an “Ambulance Shooting,” in the 5900 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. When officers arrived, they found the victim in the parking lot near his vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound.

Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and pronounced the victim deceased at scene. The victim is described as a White male. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Detectives from Valley Bureau Homicide were notified and responded to the scene. Detectives canvassed the area for witnesses and further evidence. There is no suspect(s) information, and the motive is unknown.

Anyone with details about the incident is asked to contact Valley Bureau Homicide detectives at (818) 374-9550. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to (310) 726-7700 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

STUDIO CITY—On Tuesday, July 30, the Los Angeles Police Department Force Investigation Division is investigating an In-Custody Death (ICD) at the Transit Services Division.

The LAPD reported on July 27, around 2:45 p.m., uniformed officers assigned to a Transit Services Division (TSD) overtime detail were conducting a foot beat at the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) B Line North Hollywood Station. They spotted the subject fare evade and walk onto the train platform. Officers followed the subject from a distance as he began to yell and exhibit erratic behavior. Officers believed the subject was mentally ill when he walked toward the edge of the platform.

Officers were concerned that the subject was about to jump on the tracks and attempted to stop him. Upon attempting to detain the subject, the officers were involved in a minor use of force. The subject actively resisted and fled, escaped their grasp, and fled onto the railway tracks and into the subway tunnel. He subsequently fled southbound through the B line tunnel toward the Universal City/Studio City subway platform.

Officers broadcast a backup request and waited for additional resources. After a search of the tunnel, officers, while riding the subway train, located the subject underneath the third rail of the tracks. The Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the subject deceased.

No officers or other community members were injured during the incident. The identification of the subject is pending the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner’s autopsy. Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating the incident.

“The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed,” the LAPD said in a statement.

By Trevor

TOPANGA CANYON—On Tuesday, July 16, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that a woman has been charged with murder in the deaths of her three-year-old twin sons who were allegedly exposed to drugs laced with fentanyl, the highly potent synthetic opioid.

Jestice James, 22, is charged in case 24VWCF01433 with two counts of murder and two counts of child abuse/endangerment under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily harm or death. She is being held in lieu of $4 million bail. Arraignment is set for today, Dept. 10 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Van Nuys Branch.

On July 11, shortly after 11 a.m., emergency crews responded to a home in the San Fernando Valley, where paramedics attempted life-saving measures on the twin boys, Josiah and Jestine. Both were taken to the hospital. Josiah died on July 11 and Jestine was pronounced deceased on July 13.

If convicted as charged, the defendant faces life in prison. The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On October 25, the Los Angeles County District Attorney revealed that Fraser Bohm was charged in a fatal car crash that killed four Pepperdine University students in Malibu on October 17.

“Our hearts go out the families, loved ones and the Pepperdine University family as they cope with this unimaginable pain,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “Today we stand in deep sorrow for the loss of four innocent lives tragically taken in a senseless act. We want to assure the community that we are committed to seeking justice for those who have been taken from us too soon.”

Bohm, 22, is charged in case LA100189 with four counts of murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. He pled not guilty to all charges at an arraignment in Department 100 of the Van Nuys Courthouse. At arraignment, the previously set bail of $8 million was reduced by the court to $4 million.

On October 17, Bohm was allegedly speeding in the 21600 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu when witnesses saw him lose control of his car causing him to crash into nearby parked vehicles before hitting four pedestrians who were standing on the side of the roadway. All four pedestrians died at the scene. They were identified as: Niamh Rolston, Peyton Steward, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.

A memorial service was held on October 22, at the Firestone Fieldhouse with lead minister of the University Church of Christ, Pastor Eric Wilson, Assistant Professor of Biology, Helen Holmlund, the divisional dean of Business Administration, Regan Harwell Schaffer, Religion Professor, Dyron Daugherty, the Associate Director for Spiritual Life, Tim Spivey, and Pepperdine President, Jim Gash. Members of the media were not to invited to attend in person.

Pepperdine University released the following statement on their website on October 19:

“To the students who loved, lived with, and were in community with the departed members of our Pepperdine family, my heart is broken with yours,” said University President Jim Gash in a message to the Pepperdine community. “I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss.”

“In this time of immeasurable grief and heartache, we stand together as a community and turn to our faith and each other to find hope and healing in the midst of this tragedy,” said Connie Horton, Vice President for Student Affairs. “Each departed student brought a unique gift and spirit to the University, and we deeply grieve the unfulfilled hopes and aspirations of our precious community members.”

If convicted as charged, Bohm can face the possibility of multiple life sentences. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Traffic Division are investigating a fatal hit-and-run involving a vehicle and an individual on a scooter on Sunday, October 29. The LAPD reported at 2:25 a.m., a black sedan, traveling northbound Western Avenue in the #1 lane, collided into a male riding a “Lime” scooter, crossing Western Avenue eastbound, north of Sierra Vista Avenue.

The rider was ejected from the “Lime” scooter and fell on the roadway. The black sedan fled northbound Western Avenue, without rendering aid to the victim.

The driver of a silver Lexus, traveling southbound Western Avenue in the #2 lane, and collided with the “Lime” scooter as well. The driver of the Lexus observed the male in the roadway, called 911, and remained at-scene.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and provided immediate medical attention to the victim. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he later died from injuries sustained. The victim’s identity is being withheld, pending next-of-kin notification.

The LAPD is reminding motorists to stop if involved in a traffic collision and notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

On April 15, 2015, the Los Angeles City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members that provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with details about this collision is asked to contact West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877- LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may contact CrimeStoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced on its website on Monday, September 25, that Stephanie Negriff, former director of Big Blue Bus, died earlier this month at the age of 67.

Negriff became the Big Blue Bus director in August 2002, previously served in various capacities, including assistant director of operations, manager of transit development and intergovernmental relations and senior administrative analyst. She retired from Big Blue Bus in 2011, after 25 years of service. Before joining Big Blue Bus, she held roles with transit agencies in the states of Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

“Stephanie was a visionary leader who helped establish a bedrock of enduring programs and services that continue to support our community’s transportation needs,” said Anuj Gupta, Interim Director of Santa Monica’s Department of Transportation. “She led with care and compassion for Big Blue Bus staff and customers, and embodied the agency’s values of teamwork, community service, integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement. She will be greatly missed.”

As the director of Big Blue Bus, Negriff’s responsibilities included the creation of Downtown Santa Monica’s Transit Mall, the implementation of two bus rapid transit lines, and the completion of the Big Blue Bus campus expansion project. She oversaw development of an award-winning, state-of-the-art bus maintenance facility, and the implementation of student and regional fare programs through innovative partnerships with Santa Monica College, UCLA, and LA Metro.

She helped guide Big Blue Bus’s transition to a clean energy fleet, which included gas/electric hybrid, biodiesel, and compressed natural gas vehicles. She helped in negotiating funding policies for the distribution of Prop C, Measure R and other regional transportation formula programs, to ensure economic sustainability for Big Blue Bus and other municipal transit systems in Los Angeles County.

The Big Blue Bus won the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award in 2011 while Stephanie was the director and she was named APTA Outstanding Public Transit Manager. Her funeral will be held on Friday, September 30 at 10 a.m. at Chapel of the Gardens, Mountain View Mortuary, 2300 N. Marengo Avenue in Altadena. Her family is requesting donations be made in Negriff’s name to the Westside Family Health Center, where she served on the Board of Directors until her passing. She is survived by her husband, Larry, stepchildren Sonya and Liza, and one grandchild.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—A 40 year old man was found dead along a sidewalk on the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica on Sunday, July 16, around 6:30 a.m.

Police were summoned to the scene after the Santa Monica Fire department contacted SMPD for assistance with a dead body on 14th and Wilshire. Police discovered the body lying on the curb.

The cause of his death is currently unknown, and his identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Houman David Hemmati made a post on Twitter shortly after the discovery. “A sad addition to @BillMelugin’s reporting from @santamonicacity last week. This morning, a dead homeless man on the sidewalk in what should be a bustling seaside community. Tragic because so preventable. Daily occurrence. The same people who shut everything down & spent $$$$ giving homeless hotel rooms to protect from COVID hand out free needles & enable many to die each day.”

“How many more must die before we move everyone who needs help, not needles, into shelters with mandatory rehab & mental health care? Stop using homeless as photo ops and actually do something. Actions speak far louder than words,” Hemmati concluded.

In an email to Canyon News Lieutenant Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police department wrote that the victim did not appear to be homeless and has a Los Angeles address.

By Christianne

WEST HOLLYWOOD/BEVERLY HILLS—The Los Angeles Police Department’s West Bureau Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect responsible for the death of a 17-year-old male and injuries to two other victims on Sunday, July 9.

The LAPD reported at 3:50 a.m., officers from the Wilshire Area responded to a call of an ambulance shooting at 3rd Street and Orlando Avenue. After arriving on the scene, officers found three victims who were shot. Victim 1, a 17-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department Personnel. Victim 2, a 17-year-old male, and Victim 3, a 26-year-old male, were taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, by Los Angeles Fire Department Personnel for medical treatment and are listed in stable condition. The name of the deceased has not been disclosed to the public.

Authorities have described the suspect as a Black male, who was last seen traveling southbound on Orlando Avenue from 3^rd Street on foot.

Anyone with details on the shooting is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Bureau Homicide Detectives at 213-382-9470. 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.

Tipsters can visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

By Casey

PACIFIC PALISADES—Officials have identified the victim who died in a crash on Saturday, April 8, on Pacific Coast Highway. 

According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as Ashleigh Lawrence, 32, of Los Angeles. 

On the day of the accident, firefighters were called to the 17400 block of West Sunset Boulevard at Palisades Drive at 12:45 a.m. Officials discovered Lawrence and pronounced her dead at the scene. 

Los Angeles Fire Department Spokesman Nicholas Prange explained that a 21-year-old driver was traveling south on PCH Saturday morning when he slammed into a group of pedestrians and vehicles parked on the shoulder overlooking the beach near Palisades Drive.

The collision sent two of the three vehicles into the rocks, hitting Lawrence. Another person was transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition. Five others involved were in fair to moderate condition. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.  The name of the driver has not been disclosed to the public.
By Cristianne