Murder Suspect Taken into Custody During Routine Train Fare Check NR09401rh

A man wanted for murder and attempted murder was apprehended by authorities nearly one year after the commission of the crimes.

On August 14, 2009, at 2:30 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies assigned to Transit Services Division were conducting a routine train fare compliance check in the Santa Clarita Valley.  

While on the train one of the deputy’s recognized 21-year-old Andrew Lee Thomas who was listed on a LAPD wanted bulletin.  When questioned, Thomas tried to hide his identity and gave the deputy’s a phony name.  Utilizing the BluCheck finger print verification device, his identity was confirmed and it was determined that he was wanted for the murder of 28-year-old Kyree Rasheen McCray who was killed on August 23, 2008, during a youth football game in Reseda Park.  Andrew Lee Thomas was also identified as the same suspect wanted for the murder attempt of a second victim.  

West Valley Area homicide detectives are handling the murder and attempted murder investigation.  Anyone who may have additional information regarding these crimes should contact detectives at 818-374-7730.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.

Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.