Father Shoots Estranged Family, Killing Two

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, December 22, 2000

"Father Shoots Estranged Family, Killing Two"

Los Angeles – On December 21, 2000, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Zabel Ghazelian and her three daughters were met at their residence in Burbank by estranged husband and father Gabriel Ghazelian. He stated to Mrs. Ghazelian that his vehicle was disabled just off the 134 Freeway at Riverside Drive, and requested transportation back to his vehicle. Mrs. Ghazelian agreed to transport him back to his vehicle. As they were travelling slowly in heavy traffic southbound Riverside Drive towards Zoo Drive, Mr. Ghazelian withdrew a concealed handgun from his waistband and without warning, mortally wounded his estranged wife and his 13-year-old daughter Garine. The two surviving daughters, ages 14 and 16, were transported to a local hospital for gunshot wounds via ambulance and are listed in critical condition.

The suspect, Gabriel Ghazelian, fled the crime scene and is believed to be in the San Fernando area. He is described as a male Armenian, with black hair, brown eyes, 5’11," approximately 190 lbs.

Anyone who might have any additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Northeast Homicide Detectives at 213-847-4261.

This press release was prepared by Officer Danielle Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

For Release 5:00 pm PST
December 22, 2000