Beating Death of a 24-year-old Man NR13234cn

July 11, 2013

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Division Homicide Detectives have arrested a suspect (Later identified as Hong, Steve) for murder and an arrest warrant has been issued for the second suspect (Later identified as Lam, Luan Thin).

On Sunday, June 2, 2013, around 1:54 a.m., Albert Song was at the ICON Club, located in the 1200 block of S. Figueroa St. celebrating an event with a group of friends.  As they were celebrating on the dance floor, Song was punched and knocked unconscious.  Several suspects then kicked the victim repeatedly.  The attack appears to be unprovoked.

Song was unconscious and non-responsive when paramedics arrived; he was transported to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with a massive brain hemorrhage.  He was listed as brain-dead and in grave condition.  On June 3, 2013, the victim was pronounced dead at 2:34 p.m. from his injuries. Song is a West Point graduate, and recently completed Army Ranger School.  He holds the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the US Army, stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Suspect Hong was arrested on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 in Riverside, CA.  Hong was arraigned and booked for 187 PC, murder on July 5, 2013.  His bail is set at $1,000,000.  An arrest warrant has been issued for the second suspect, Lam.

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Central Division Homicide Detectives Chung or Putnam at (213) 972-1203.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.