2 Charged With Murder In Shooting Of 13-Year-Old Pasadena Boy

PASADENA, CA — Two people have been charged in connection with the killing of a 13-year-old boy in Pasadena in 2021, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors say Ivan Moreno was playing video games in the bedroom of his Pasadena home in the 900 block of North Raymond Avenue on Nov. 20, 2021, when Muhammad Abdul-Malik, 38, fired a single gunshot through the boy's window from a vacant lot across the street.

Teraeja Laquanna Flemmings, 31, then drove Malik away from the scene, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The boy, meanwhile, died from his injuries, according to authorities.

Investigators searched for the suspects for several years and released sketches of them earlier this year.

On Friday, prosecutors announced Malik and Flemmings had both been charged with murder.

Malik faces an additional count of possession of a firearm by a felon. And he is also further accused of personally and intentionally discharging the firearm, causing great bodily injury or death.

“The violence that took this young boy’s life is not only tragic, but also unacceptable and criminal,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. “No family should ever have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child under such horrific circumstances. While we cannot undo this tragedy, we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

Malik is currently in custody in Florida and awaiting extradition, according to prosecutors, who said his bail was set at $3 million. Flemmings' bail, meanwhile, was set at $2 million.

The 38-year-old could be sentenced to up to 53 years to life in state prison if convicted of the charges against him. Flemming faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.