A business owner on Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade shot and killed one of two men who were allegedly attempting to rob him during an after-hours private sale.
Now, the man who allegedly tried to organize the robbery has been charged with his partner’s death.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of the 3rd Street Promenade around 9:30 p.m. Sunday for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon.
The owner of the business, according to police, was “conducting a private after-hours sale with a known associate when a second individual, who appears to be connected to the associate, entered the closed store and sprayed the victim with a chemical irritant.”
A struggle ensued, and the business owner, who was in possession of a legally owned firearm, shot the second individual, police said.
That suspect died at a nearby hospital from his injuries, SMPD said. His name has not been released.
The man who arranged the sale and allegedly attempted to coordinate the robbery has been identified as Karen Melikyan. Melikyan was arrested and faces charges for armed robbery, conspiracy and homicide.
The business owner was not injured and is said to be cooperating with authorities. He has not been charged in connection with the attempted robbery.
“At this stage, all evidence suggests this was a targeted incident involving individuals known to each other,” law enforcement officials said.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact SMPD Detective Jauregui or Detective Sergeant Goodwin, or call the 24-hour watch commander’s line.
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