Gang-related Homicide On Mar Vista Solved

On August 22, 2011, Marvin Laguan, 18 was shot and killed while conversing with a friend in the 400 block of North Mar Vista Avenue. Witnesses described the suspects as two African American males male who ran southbound from the scene. Since that date, Homicide Investigators have been pursuing several leads. These efforts culminated in the successful identification of the suspects.

On January 18, 2012, Pasadena Police Detectives and law enforcement personnel from the United States Marshalls Fugitive Unit, California State Parole, and the Glendale Police Department arrested Scott King (male-19 and Palmdale resident) and Steven Fleming (male-19 and Pasadena resident) for Laguan’s murder. Both suspects have gang associations and the assault is believed gang related reports a PPD Police Spokesperson.

PPD reports that there have been seven homicides in the City of Pasadena during 2011. Six of those cases have been solved with prosecutions and detectives are actively investigating the most recent incident, which occurred December 27, 2011. Since 2008 the Pasadena Police Department has a 100% homicide solvability rate.

The Los Angeles County District Attorneys’ Office filed charges of 1st degree murder against King and Fleming. Additionally, two counts of attempted murder with gang enhancements against both suspects were charged. King was charged with an additional count of Ex-Felon with a firearm. Both suspects are schedule for arraignment today. King is being held on $4,115,000 bail and Fleming is being held on $3,040,000 bail.

“The arrest in this case is another example of the diligent work conducted by the Pasadena Police Homicide Detectives. This case was very complex and required a great deal of investigation savvy, patience and determination. I am most proud that the Pasadena Police Department has such a high solvability rate. This ensures that criminal who pose threats to the safety of this community are taken off streets” said Chief Phillip Sanchez.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other crimes are asked to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.