Tag: homicide

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, January 9, Carmen Anita Degregg was charged with murder and assault on a child, causing death, for the death of her 17-month-old daughter, where a frying pan was involved. Degregg’s arrangement has been postponed, and it will now occur on February 19.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, if Carmen Anita Degregg is convicted, she will face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The name of the victim’s daughter has not been released to the public.

In addition, the way in which the frying pan was used has not been released. On January 6, at approximately 11:54 a.m., the Santa Monica Police Department was notified by UCLA Police that an adult female had been detained on the UCLA campus after making statements indicating she had harmed her 15-month-old child and left the child inside an apartment in the 2200 block of Broadway.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office will determine the manner of the child’s death and the cause. Degregg has been charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with one count of murder and one count of willful cruelty to a child resulting in great bodily injury or death. She remains in police custody, with bail set at $2,000,000.

Anyone with details related to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Isaac Reyes at isaac.reyes@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander, available 24 hours a day, at 310-458-8427.

Written By Daniel Diquinzio and Danny Jones

BRENTWOOD—On Monday, December 15, it has been reported that Nick Reiner, 32, the son of director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michelle Singer Reiner, 68, who were found dead inside their Brentwood home has been arrested.

According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records, Nick was arrested on Sunday, and his currently being held on a $4 million bail.

The call was received after 3:40 p.m. on Sunday on the 200 block South Chadbourne Ave. for medical assistance for a man and woman, 78 and 68. The Los Angeles Police Department arrived on the scene and have opened an investigation into the case.

TMZ reported that the victims sustained lacerations from a knife.

Rob is known for his role in the 1970s sitcom, “All in the Family” where he portrayed ‘Meathead’ alongside Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton and Sally Struthers. The series ran from 1971-1979, and Rob won 2 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Rob made his directorial debut in 1984 with “This is Spinal Tap.”

His other film credits include: “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “Misery,” “A Few Good Men,” “The American President,” “Ghosts of Mississippi” and most recently he director the 2025 flick, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.” He also appeared in the Martin Scorsese film “The Wolf of Wall Street” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.

PEOPLE magazine reported that the couple’s son, Nick was being questioned by authorities in connection to the murders. One of Rob’s daughters discovered her parents deceased inside the home and alerted police that a family member may have been responsible.

The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division is investigating the case. Rob is the son of comedian, Carl Reiner.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) announced the arrest of Nick Reiner, following the murder of Robert and Michele Reiner on Monday, December 15. Once inside the residence, officers discovered two victims, who were subsequently identified as Robert and Michele Reiner. Robbery Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section (RHD/HSS), responded to the residence and initiated an investigation regarding the circumstances of their deaths.

As a result of the initial investigation, it was determined that the Reiners were the victims of homicide. The investigation further revealed that Nick Reiner, 32, was responsible for their deaths. Nick was located and arrested at approximately 9:15 p.m. He was booked for murder and remains in custody with no bail, under Booking Number 7144668. On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Condolences have started to pour in from the entertainment industry. Director Paul Feig tweeted, “One of my most cherished pictures. Rob was my true hero. A true visionary titan and a lovely loverly person. One never knows if it’s proper to post during something as tragic as this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best.”

Director Ron Howard tweeted “Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for Happy Days and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing. He proved to be a superlative filmmakers, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen. Rob will be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.

Actress Mira Sorvino posted on X: “I am in absolute shock. Rob Reiner was a legend & a kind, brilliant man, a wonderful actor to work opposite on Hollywood, an iconic director. His wife Michele was a lovely generous person- I wish I had been able to get to know her better. The world has lost 2 tremendous humans. He was so funny & intelligent – we had a great time shooting what could have been awkward scenes but his wit & warmth made all that go away. Talking w/him on & off set was a joy. This doesn’t seem possible. My deepest sorrow and condolences & prayers go out to their family. ”

Anyone with details about this investigation can contact 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.

By Danny Jones

BRENTWOOD—On Monday, December 15, it has been reported that Nick Reiner, 32, the son of director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michelle Singer Reiner, 68, who were found dead inside their Brentwood home has been arrested.

According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records, Nick was arrested on Sunday, and his currently being held on a $4 million bail.

The call was received after 3:38 p.m. on Sunday on South Chadbourne Ave. for medical assistance for a man and woman, 78 and 68. The Los Angeles Police Department arrived on the scene and have opened an investigation into the case.

TMZ reported that the victims sustained lacerations from a knife.

Rob is known for his role in the 1970s sitcom, “All in the Family” where he portrayed ‘Meathead’ alongside Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton and Sally Struthers. The series ran from 1971-1979, and Rob won 2 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Rob made his directorial debut in 1984 with “This is Spinal Tap.”

His other film credits include: “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “Misery,” “A Few Good Men,” “The American President,” “Ghosts of Mississippi” and most recently he director the 2025 flick, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.” He also appeared in the Martin Scorsese film “The Wolf of Wall Street” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.

PEOPLE magazine reported that the couple’s son, Nick was being questioned by authorities in connection to the murders. One of Rob’s daughters discovered her parents deceased inside the home and alerted police that a family member may have been responsible.

The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division is investigating the case. Rob is the son of comedian, Carl Reiner.

Condolences have started to pour in from the entertainment industry. Director Paul Feig tweeted, “One of my most cherished pictures. Rob was my true hero. A true visionary titan and a lovely loverly person. One never knows if it’s proper to post during something as tragic as this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best.”

Director Ron Howard tweeted “Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for Happy Days and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing. He proved to be a superlative filmmakers, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen. Rob will be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.

Actress Mira Sorvino posted on X: “I am in absolute shock. Rob Reiner was a legend & a kind, brilliant man, a wonderful actor to work opposite on Hollywood, an iconic director. His wife Michele was a lovely generous person- I wish I had been able to get to know her better. The world has lost 2 tremendous humans. He was so funny & intelligent – we had a great time shooting what could have been awkward scenes but his wit & warmth made all that go away. Talking w/him on & off set was a joy. This doesn’t seem possible. My deepest sorrow and condolences & prayers go out to their family. “

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, May 19, Lt. Lewis Gilmour of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News a suspect was arrested in connection to a fatal shooting during an attempted robbery.

The SMPD reported on Sunday, May 18, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers responded within two minutes to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a business in the 1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the business owner was conducting a private, after-hours sale with a known associate when a second individual—conspiring with the known associate—entered the closed store and sprayed the victim with a chemical irritant.

A struggle ensued and the victim, who was in legal possession of a firearm, shot the intruder. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained. His identity has not been disclosed pending notification of kin.

The associate, who coordinated the meeting, Karen Melikyan, 41, was detained at the scene and later arrested in connection with the attempted robbery. Melikyan is being charged with Homicide 187(a) PC, Robbery 211 PC & Conspiracy 182(a)(1) PC.

The victim (store owner) was not injured and is cooperating fully with investigators. Based on the evidence gathered, detectives believe this was a targeted and isolated incident involving individuals known to one another. There is no ongoing threat to the community.

Anyone with details about the incident, is asked to contact Det. Jauregui(Martin.Jauregui@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Goodwin (Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—Lt. Lewis Gilmour of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via mail they are currently investigating a beach murder that transpired on Monday, February 10.

Authorities reported at approximately 7 a.m., following a discovery by City Beach Maintenance personnel, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive individual near Lifeguard Tower 1550 along the waterline.

Upon arrival, officers located a female victim in a sleeping bag, displaying visible trauma to her face. The Santa Monica Fire Department arrived shortly after and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. The name and identity of the victim has not been determined. The circumstances surrounding the victim’s death are under investigation by SMPD.

Anyone with details related to this incident is asked to contact Detective Peter Zamfirov at Peter.Zamfirov@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at (310) 458-8427.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, November 19, Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department indicated a suspect involved in a September 6 homicide has been arrested. The incident was reported on September 6 at 5:50 p.m. on the 1100 block of 6th Street, alley east.

The SMPD reported on September 6 the SMPD Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) officers received a radio call of a person lying on the ground in the 1100 Block of Alley 6. When officers arrived, they discovered a deceased male in his 30s with one stab wound to the upper chest area. Two detectives were designated as the handling investigators and several other from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to assist. As a team, CID gathered evidence, video footage, and witness statements throughout the day.

After an extensive and thorough investigation, detectives determined the suspect worked in a building adjacent to the incident. Arrested was Sebastian Emil Gaston, 36, of Los Angeles.

Detectives presented the case to the Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney who believed there was enough evidence to file the murder charge. An arrest warrant was issued for Gaston who was subsequently taken into custody on November 7 at the Santa Monica police station.

During his interrogation, Gaston admitted to the murder as well as a previous assault in July. Gaston remains in the custody of the LA County Sheriff’s Department pending trial.
Anyone with details about Gaston or the stabbing is asked to contact Detective Kayondo at lawrence.kayondo@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, September 6, the Santa Monica Police Department announced they are investigating a homicide that transpired.

The SMPD indicated on its Facebook page that they discovered a male victim, believed to be homeless, who was found dead from an apparent stab wound in the alley near the 1100 block of 6th Street.

At this time, no suspect is in custody, and authorities are seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating the individual(s) responsible. The name and age of the victim has not been disclosed to the public.

“We recognize that our community has recently been impacted by several violent crimes and understand the heightened concern these incidents cause. We want to reassure the community that the safety and well-being of our residents remain our highest priorities. Our team is working diligently to identify the suspect(s), and a strong police presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues,” the SMPD said in a statement.

“We understand the recent violent crimes have caused significant concern, and we want to reassure the community that the safety and well-being of our residents are our top priorities. Our team is working diligently to identify the suspect, and there will continue to be a strong police presence in the area as the investigation continues.”

Anyone with details on the fatal stabbing is asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.

By Trevor

LAUREL CANYON—On Tuesday, August 6, the Los Angeles Police Department reported Valley Bureau Homicide detectives are seeking details from the public regarding a shooting in an apartment that left one person dead.

The LAPD reported on August 5, around 9:30 p.m., North Hollywood area patrol officers responded to a radio call of “shots fired” on the 5600 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Officers found the victim inside of an apartment, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. Victim identification has been withheld pending next of kin notification.

Valley Bureau Homicide detectives responded to the location, and their preliminary investigation revealed that a shot was fired from a firearm in an adjacent apartment, which penetrated the neighboring wall, striking the victim.

Anyone with additional details is asked to call the LAPD, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-9550. 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.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On February 14, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) released their annual crime report for 2023, with theft being the most prevalent of all the crimes committed. According to the SMPD webpage, if the criminal activity continues as it is now in the remainder of 2024, crime rates could easily surpass last year’s statistics.

On Tuesday, February 13, the Santa Monica City Council heard the updated crime statistics report from SMPD Chief Ramon Batista.

“One of the things we tried to do this year in addressing some of the concerns we had the three major parks was to make sure we had an increased presence in our public service officers and our downtown service officers,” Batista stated.

The takeaway from the report posted on X showed that SMPD received a total of 103,462, calls for service, with a 10 percent increase in police actions, and of those 18 percent of the calls, 18,939 were related to homelessness.

SMPD reported one murder in Santa Monica last year. SMPD Lieutenant, Erika Aklufi, reported the following homicide for 2024.

“On January 25 at approximately 10:25 AM, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a call of Shots Fired in the 2600 block of 29th Street in Santa Monica. Officers located the victim of the shooting seated in his parked vehicle. The victim, identified as William Edwards III, a 46-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was transported to a local hospital in grave condition and died at the hospital. The motive for the crime is still being investigated.”

SMPD reported 45 documented rapes were reported in 2023. This is up from 39 in 2022. There were no reported rapes on the website for 2024.

In 2023, there were 460 reported aggravated assaults or what used to be referred to as assault with a deadly weapon. This figure was less than the year prior. There were no reports on the SMPD website for 2024.

There were 80 reports of arson in 2023, which was down from 86 in 2022.

SMPD reported 231 robberies in 2023, which was up from 222 in 2022.

Of all of the robberies and burglaries, strong armed robbery was the most reported crime.

On February 13, Lieutenant Aklufi reported the arrest of four young adults and one juvenile who were captured with the help of a K9 officer on attempted burglary charges after breaking into The Real Real located at 200 26th St.

SMPD responded to 569 incidents of grand theft auto.

Petty crimes or what SMPD refers to as, “Part 2 crimes,” include simple assault, trespassing, public intoxication, vandalism, and other misdemeanor crimes. Of those, simple assault was the most prevalent with 859 cases reported. There were 730 cases of vandalism.

For 2024, the SMPD website shows multiple traffic related incidents, one of which was fatal. Reports of trespassing are also listed in the press releases on the SMPD website for 2024.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On January 26, Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department indicated in an email to Canyon News that a suspect has been arrested for a fatal shooting that occurred on January 25.

The SMPD reported on January 25 at approximately 10:25 a.m., officers responded to a call of Shots Fired in the 2600 block of 29th Street in Santa Monica. Officers located the victim in the shooting seated in his parked vehicle. He was identified as William Edwards III, a 46-year-old male from Los Angeles. He was taken to a local hospital in grave condition where he later died.

Witnesses who saw the suspect leave the scene, gave officers with her general direction of travel. Detectives worked tirelessly throughout the day to identify and locate the suspect who was taken into custody on Friday, January 26 in West Los Angeles. A motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

Arrested for the shooting is Kayla Denise Mackey, 27, who the SMPD indicated was experiencing homelessness. Her booking photo is expected to be released in the coming days per Lt. Aklufi.

The SMPD is asking anyone with information related to Mackey or the shooting to contact Detective Burciaga at George.Burciaga@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Gradle at Ryan.Gradle@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor