July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

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

Forensic Specialists Collected Hundreds of DNA Samples and Fingerprints from the Scene

A Michigan man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing that took place in a Santa Monica beach parking lot in November 2022, SMPD announced. 

Mohamed Abou-Arabi, 24, was found guilty of killing a Dearborn, Michigan resident whose body was discovered in his car in Lot 1 North, just north of the Santa Monica Pier.

On November 2, 2022, Santa Monica police responded to a report of a man lying motionless in a vehicle, discovered by a parking attendant. The victim, initially unidentified, was found in the driver’s seat with grievous knife wounds. 

Investigators later identified the victim as a Dearborn resident who had recently purchased the car in Southern California. Forensic specialists collected hundreds of DNA samples and fingerprints from the scene.

Authorities linked Abou-Arabi to the crime through evidence gathered from the vehicle and other investigative tools. 

With the assistance of the Dearborn Police Department, Santa Monica detectives tracked Abou-Arabi’s movements and arrested him in Michigan in January 2023. He was extradited to Los Angeles, where he has remained in custody.

Last month, Abou-Arabi was found guilty of first-degree murder, with an enhancement for using a knife in the fatal attack. He is scheduled to be sentenced in December. 

Although Abou-Arabi has no prior arrests in California, he does have two misdemeanor weapons offenses in Michigan. He has refused to provide a motive for the killing during the investigation and trial, according to SMPD.

in Hard, News
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