July 13, 2025 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

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...