Teraeja Laquanna Flemmings, 31, will appear at 8:30 a.m. in Department F of the Pasadena Courthouse. She is charged with murder alongside Muhammad Abdul-Malik, 38, in the Nov. 20, 2021, killing of Pasadenan Iran Moreno.
Moreno, a straight-A student at Blair Middle School, was struck by a bullet fired through his bedroom window. Prosecutors allege Abdul-Malik fired the fatal shot from across the street while Flemmings drove the getaway vehicle, a gray Ford Fusion.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and remain in custody. Abdul-Malik is held on $3 million bail and faces 53 years to life in state prison if convicted. Flemmings is held on $2 million bail and faces 25 years to life.
The case remained unsolved for nearly four years despite an $85,000 reward. In June, the Pasadena Police Department released new details based on enhanced surveillance video analysis, revealing a partial license plate number and detailed suspect descriptions.
A credible tip from a Massachusetts woman who recognized the male suspect from composite sketches proved crucial. Abdul-Malik was arrested July 11 in Orlando, Florida. Flemmings was arrested five days later in San Fernando, California.
“The violence that took this young boy’s life is not only tragic, but also unacceptable and criminal,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “No family should ever have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child under such horrific circumstances.”
Police said it did not appear either Iran or his family were the intended targets. No motive has been publicly disclosed.
Pasadena Courthouse. 300 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Phone (626) 356-5695. www.lacourt.org
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