July 9, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Man Convicted Of Stabbing Roommate To Death At 2012 Santa Monica Party:

A rare murder in Santa Monica that shook the community in mid-2012 has moved toward closure for family and friends of the victim following the conviction of the prime suspect.

Ryan Taylor Bright, 28, was convicted on Monday, Dec. 22, of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his longtime friend Jensen Gray.

The incident occurred at Bright’s Santa Monica apartment in the early morning hours of July 11, 2012, following a party at the apartment.

Santa Monica police responded at 3:25 am to reports of a stabbing in an apartment at Archstone Santa Monica at 425 Broadway.

When officers and Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics arrived they found Gray on the floor of the lounge room who had succumbed to several stab wounds.

SMPD Sgt. Rudy Camarena said first responders attempted to render aid but Gray was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

“Witnesses told officers that Gray’s friend, Ryan Bright, was responsible for the assault,” Camarena said. “According to witnesses, Bright stabbed Gray after he tried to intervene in an argument between him and another woman at the location. Witnesses told investigators alcohol was a likely contributor in the incident.”

Camarena said Bright lived with his girlfriend at Archstone Santa Monica, adding Bright’s girlfriend was asleep in another room at the time of the stabbing. Camarena said the woman involved in the argument with Bright in the lead up to the Gray’s fatal stabbing was a fourth person at the apartment at the time of the incident, who police have not publicly identified.

Camarena said officers searched the immediate area on arrival to the murder scene and located Bright along with the knife used in the stabbing a short time after the incident only a block away.

Bright was arrested and booked for murder with bail set at $1 million.

The trial began Dec. 8, 2014, and lasted two weeks at the LAX branch courthouse. It included multiple witness testimonies as well as testimonies from SMPD officers and detectives.

Camarena said forensic evidence was also presented that linked the recovered knife to Bright and the stabbing of Gray.

Bright and Gray had known each other since middle school and had attended Laguna Beach High School.

The two had also been co-defendants in a 2007 drug possession case, according to a published report.

Bright remains behind bars on $1 million bail pending sentencing on Feb. 20. He will face 15 years to life in prison.

in News
<>Related Posts

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...