1 Killed, 1 Wounded, 3 Arrested In Robbery Of West LA Couple

LOS ANGELES, CA — Three people have been arrested in connected with an upscale West Los Angeles neighborhood robbery that left one suspect dead and a victim in critical condition from a gunshot wound to the head, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Wednesday.

Police arrested Jason Melara, Daymonee Johnson, and Mahki Taylor in Northern California on Oct. 10 in connection with the fatally botched robbery that took place in 1400 block of North Thurston Circle in West Los Angeles, according to the LAPD. On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony charges against all three, including murder, attempted murder, attempt robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon.

Police released limited details about the robbery.

"The victim, and his wife were confronted in the driveway of their home by multiple armed suspects, who demanded property from them. During the robbery attempt, the suspects shot at the victim, striking him in the head," the LAPD announced in a written statement. "The suspects then ran to an awaiting vehicle and fled the scene."

The husband, who police identified only as Aguilar, was rushed to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.

"One of the suspects, later identified as Mario Melara, was critically wounded during the incident," the LAPD added. "He later died from his injuries at a local hospital."

It wasn't immediately clear how Melara was wounded in the robbery.

Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to contact detectives at 213-486-6840, and anonymous tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.