Carter Surrenders in Palm Springs

Los Angeles: Kimberly Carter, 43, the woman suspected in the stabbing of her boyfriend in their Northridge home, surrendered to Palm Springs police officers this morning, March 9, 2006, around 9:30 AM.

According to detectives, Carter called a news outlet and told them she was willing to surrender to police in the presence of a reporter. Channel 4 News, KNBC, notified Devonshire detectives, who in turn called Palm Springs Police Department and asked them to detain Carter at the Palm Springs Hotel Spa and Casino. News reporter Mary Parks was present at Carter’s detention.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s examination returned with a finding that the victim, Harry Phillips, Jr., 42, died of a gunshot, not a stabbing as initially reported.

Devonshire detectives drove this morning to Palm Springs and searched Carter’s hotel room, where she had spent the night and checked out prior to her surrender. Detectives found a gun inside the hotel room, which will be compared to the Phillips’ wounds and ballistic evidence.

As of this evening at 5 PM, Carter was being driven by detectives to Los Angeles. She will be booked in Los Angeles on a charge of murder, with bail set at $1 million.

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Devonshire Homicide Unit at 818-832-0537. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).