With the Help of DNA Evidence, the Case’s Investigation Was Able to Link the Home Invasion With a String of Others
Following a multi-year investigation on a 2016 home invasion and shooting that left one victim hospitalized, the suspect has been convicted on 16 felony charges while he awaits his sentencing.
In the morning hours of Aug. 28, 2016, SMPD officers responded to a “shots fired” call at a Santa Monica residence in the 600 block of Adelaide Drive. Once they arrived, the property’s owner was found shot in the torso; the result of a failed robbery attempt. The victim survived after being treated at UCLA hospital.
With the help of DNA evidence, the case’s investigation was able to link the home invasion with a string of others in Beverly Hills and Downey; all of which occurred within the same two-week span.
The suspect, Vacho Shahen, 39, of Las Vegas, was arrested in Philadelphia in 2018. After a recent three-week trial, a jury convicted Shahen on 16 of 17 felony charges. Sentencing is set for June 24 in L.A. County Superior Court.
“While this case has been resolved, SMPD reminds residents to take proactive steps in enhancing their home security. To support this effort, SMPD offers free home security assessments to all residents.” SMPD said in a statement. “These assessments help identify potential vulnerabilities and provide recommendations to better secure your home. To schedule an assessment, please contact our Community Affairs Unit at 310-458-8474.”
For more information on the investigation, contact Sgt. Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931 or Lt. Erika Aklufi at 310-458-8493.
