Community Members Help Police Capture Murder Suspects

 
Los Angeles: Rampart Homicide Detectives are investigating the death of a male, Armenian approximately 29 years of age.
On December 3, 2002 at approximately 11:10 a.m., Rampart Area patrol officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly weapon investigation in the 4000 block of Santa Monica Blvd. Upon arrival, officers determined that a shooting occurred and that possible suspects were still in the vicinity. Officers from Rampart Area and Northeast Area quickly responded and set up a perimeter to contain the suspects. During the course of the search two suspects were taken into custody without incident.
Several witnesses from the Armenian Community came forward and assisted officers in the identification of the suspects at the scene. A further search of the area led to the recovery of the weapon that is believed to have been used by the suspect.
The investigation revealed that witnesses heard gunshots and observed the suspect shoot into a gray, BMW vehicle that was driven by the victim. Two suspects were seen running from the location northbound on Edgemont Street. The victim in the BMW was observed driving from the scene followed by a witness to the shooting. The victim drove to Lexington Street and Berendo St., where he exited his vehicle and collapsed onto the street. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.
The suspect has been identified as 23 year-old, Hamlet Bozukyan, a male Armenian. The suspect was taken into custody and arrested for 187 PC Murder. A second suspect Melik Mike Bagdasaryan, a male Armenian was also arrested for 32 PC Accessory to Murder. The motive for the shooting is unknown. It is believed that the victim and suspect were involved in an argument prior to the shooting.
The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking any additional eyewitnesses from the community, asking witnesses to contact Detectives J. Breuer or J. Motto at 213- 207-2051 On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL 1-877-529 3855.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relation Section, 213-485-3586.