March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Conviction Upheld In Crash That Killed 13-Year-Old Malibu Girl:

A state appeals court panel on Wednesday upheld the second-degree murder conviction of a former Winnetka resident who left a suicide note, drove recklessly along Pacific Coast Highway, crashed his car and killed a 13-year-old Malibu girl.

The three-justice panel from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal rejected the defense’s contention that jurors were improperly instructed in the trial of Sina Khankhanian, who was convicted of the April 3, 2010, death of Emily Rose Shane.

“From the evidence that defendant was traveling at about 70 mph when he made a deliberate sharp right turn causing his car to drive up the embankment where Emily was walking, it is reasonable to infer that defendant intended to hit Emily as he proceeded towards the pole,” the justices noted in a 14-page ruling, noting that his statements afterward at the scene “all tend to show defendant intended to run Emily over with his car, knowing to a substantial certainty that the force would cause her death.”

But the appellate court panel ruled that Khankhanian — who is serving a 15-year-to-life term for the girl’s death — should be re-sentenced on an enhancement attached to the murder charge.

The weapon enhancement, which involves the use of the car, was run at the same time as the sentence on the murder count. But the justices agreed with the defense that the enhancement — which could add a year to the sentence — must either be imposed consecutively or stricken.

Khankhanian left a suicide note and then drove along Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway for 17 miles as he zigzagged in traffic, passed on the shoulder, passed on the wrong side of the road and forced other drivers into oncoming traffic before crashing into the teenager near Heathercliff Road, Deputy District Attorney Marna Miller said outside court after Khankhanian’s sentencing in June 2012.

The prosecutor noted that there were “numerous near-collisions all along PCH” and that Khankhanian had been “driving so aggressively and erratically and recklessly” when he made a quick right turn that resulted in his Mitsubishi Galant going at such an angle straight off the road and hit the teenager head on.

Khankhanian’s trial attorney, Bradley Brunon, called the case “unique and unusual,” noting that his client had “no criminal history of any kind” and that his client’s actions that day weren’t “the real Mr. Khankhanian.”

Khankhanian’s attorney has said that his client has a “long history of autism,” and that there was “no direct evidence that Mr. Khankhanian intended to lose control of his car” or intentionally kill the teenage girl.

Khankhanian was convicted by the second jury to hear the case against him. The first jury to hear the case failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the case, prompting a mistrial in January 2012.

Khankhanian apologized to the victim’s family just before he was sentenced in June 2012, saying he was “deeply sorry” for the pain and grief he had caused the teenager’s family.

Speaking outside court, the girl’s father said his family would always oppose parole for Khankhanian.

“My daughter died at 13 years old and let’s say she would have lived another 60 years. I want him to spend those 60 years (in prison),” he said.

in News
Related Posts

Customers at These Palisades Stores Can Get Cash Rewards for Sharing Their Experience

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Thumzup is Starting its L.A. Footprint Expansion with Pacific Palisades Thumzup, a company which aims to democratize the social media...

Homeless Man Sentenced to State Prison for Crimes Against Homeless Women

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Man Pleads No Contest to Series of Sexual Assaults Anthony Pittman, currently homeless, has pled no contest to a series...

(Video) Series A Coffee Now Open in Beverly Hills at 8328 Wilshire Blvd

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Located in the space that formerly housed a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Try the Black Pearl Iced Coffee. @smmirrornews...

Los Angeles County Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow, and Possible Thunderstorms Over Weekend

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

National Weather Service Issues Alerts for Flooding and Possible Tornado  According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service...

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....