October 4, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Opening Statements Heard In Kelly Soo Park Trial For 2008 Model Murder Case:

Opening statements were heard Wednesday in a downtown LA court room in the trial of 47-year-old Kelly Soo Park who is accused in a murder-for-hire plot against aspiring model Juliana Redding in Santa Monica.

Park pleaded not guilty at her arraignment July 6, 2010 for killing the 21-year-old who had moved to LA from Arizona.

Redding’s body was discovered in her Santa Monica apartment on the 1500 block of Centinela in March 2008.

Park allegedly entered Redding’s apartment and physically assaulted her, causing her death. Park was arrested at her home in Camarillo on June 17, 2010.

Prosecutors allege that Redding previously dated Park’s boss, Dr. Munir Uwaydah, and he was close to launching a pharmaceutical business with Redding’s father, but the father backed out of the deal.

According to court documents, Park allegedly acted as a type of enforcer, using threats, intimidation and bullying on behalf of Dr. Uwaydah. Park was said to have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Uwaydah before her arrest.

Prosecutor Stacy Okun-Weise (Deputy District Attorney) told the jury on Wednesday, “A woman she did not know, a woman who beat and strangled her until she had her last breath of air.”

Okun-Weise said it took two years to find a suspect, adding investigators first tested the DNA of 40 women Redding knew, but there was no match.

Okun-Weise said detectives then turned to Uwaydah’s associates.

“Through cigarettes, through swabs, and she submits those to the crime lab,” Okun-Weise said. “And guess what, all of those samples are eliminated except for one person – the defendant.”

Park’s attorney said his client had no motive.

“They have no evidence, and you’ll see that there’s no evidence, that shows that Kelly Park would have any reason to commit a brutal crime like this,” said Defense attorney George Buehler. “Forensic evidence, the DNA evidence, fingerprints, are not conclusive. DNA evidence doesn’t tell you when it got there or how it got there.”

Dr. Uwaydah has since moved to Lebanon and was never charged in the case.

in News
Related Posts

(Video) Center For Early Education Combines a Nurturing Environment With Addressing Children’s’ Needs

October 4, 2024

October 4, 2024

For More Info, Go to centerforearlyeducation.org @smmirrornews For more info, go to centerforearlyeduducation.org #santamonica #losangeles #california #education #earlychildhoodeducation #childhood #losangeles...

Industrious Expands, Opens New Flexible Workspaces in LA

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

By Susan Payne New and expanded Industrious offices are opening soon in Los Angeles. Founded in 2012 by Jamie Hodari...

Film Review: Megalopolis

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

FILM REVIEWMEGALOPOLISRated R138 MinutesReleased September 27th Well…this film is a trip, a series of dreams, perhaps nightmares, with a loose...

Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Murder of UCLA Student Brianna Kupfer

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

Judge Rules On Insanity Plea During Latest Hearing  Shawn Laval Smith has been sentenced to life in prison without the...

Man Arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Santa Monica Garage

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

The Victim Was Able to Step Back and Avoid Being Stabbed A man was arrested for assault with a deadly...

Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana Returns to Culver City to Support Local Arts Programs

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

Annual Event to Raise Funds for Culver City Arts Foundation This Weekend Culver City’s Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka  are joining forces...

Vittorio Ristorante to Celebrate 40 Years with Throwback Prices

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

The Family-Owned Restaurant Will Host a “Throwback to 1984” Event Vittorio Ristorante & Pizzeria, a beloved staple in Pacific Palisades...

(Video) SM Police Officers Association Throws Support Behind Brock, De La Torre, Roknian and Lesley in Upcoming Election

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

See Why SMPD Are Supporting These Dedicated Santa Monica Leaders. @smmirrornews See Why SMPD Are Supporting These Dedicated Santa Monica...

(Video) Movie Theater Shutters on 3rd Street Promenade

October 2, 2024

October 2, 2024

The Space Occupied Various Movie Theaters For The Past 90 Years @smmirrornews Various theaters occupied the space for 90 years...

An $80K Grant Aims to Curb Alcohol Abuse Offenses in Santa Monica

October 2, 2024

October 2, 2024

The Program Has Distributed Approximately $3 Million to Local Law Enforcement Agencies Statewide The Santa Monica Police Department has been...

Regional Burning Man Event Returns to Venice Beach This Weekend

October 2, 2024

October 2, 2024

Venice Afterburn Will Feature a Variety of Interactive Art Installations, Theme Camps, and Performances The Venice Afterburn, an official Burning...

Santa Monica Nears Agreement to Host Olympic Volleyball, Although It Could Cost City $12M

October 1, 2024

October 1, 2024

Officials Are Optimistic About Recouping Much of This Through Reimbursements if the Games Are Successful Santa Monica is nearing an...

Michigan Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Fatal Stabbing at Santa Monica Parking Lot

October 1, 2024

October 1, 2024

Forensic Specialists Collected Hundreds of DNA Samples and Fingerprints from the Scene A Michigan man has been convicted of first-degree...

(Video) CD 11 City Council Member Traci Park Holds Prop 36 Press Conference

October 1, 2024

October 1, 2024

with Brentwood Community Council Chair Carolyn Jordan and Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. @smmirrornews CD 11 City Council Member Traci...

Coming Soon: Saint Monica Prep Open House Oct. 13

October 1, 2024

October 1, 2024

An open house for Saint Monica Preparatory, a co-ed Catholic college preparatory school, is coming soon. The school is inviting...