Tag: melrose avenue

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

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, January 29, at 9:08 a.m., the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Special Enforcement Bureau announced on social media site X that the SEB Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team has concluded.

“#LASD SEB SWAT canine operation in support of LASD Century Station for an armed suspect with canine “Jango” has concluded. Suspect in custody, Traub Avenue, reopened. Neighborhood safe.”

Reports indicate that the suspicious package was determined to be non-hazardous.

On Sunday, the LASD SEB reported an all clear after a suspicious package was dropped off at the Louis Vuitton retail store, at 8800 Melrose Avenue.

According to reports the bomb threat impacted the area between Robertson Boulevard and down to Santa Monica Boulevard.

The following information about the LASD SEB came directly from the LASD SEB website.  

“The law enforcement agency charged with maintaining order within Los Angeles County is the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or LASD. The LASD’s 8,200 sworn deputies provide services to the unincorporated county areas, the Department’s 40 contract cities, and the independent cities within the county that have mutual aid agreements with the Sheriff’s Department.”

By Sharon