Prosecution’s evidence in case ‘circumstantial’
It will be nearly two years since the murder of a Santa Monica woman that her accused killer will stand trial, prosecutors said.
Victor Paleologus, who faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing 21-year-old Kristi Johnson in early 2003, was scheduled to be in court with his defense attorney last Thursday for a pre-trial conference. But Andrew Flier, Paleologus’ private attorney, asked for a continuance. The next court date is scheduled for Oct. 8, according to Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Jane Robison.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Eleanor Hunter filed a motion in July asking the judge to allow to be used at trial Paleologus’ prior felony convictions, as well as testimony from women who were allegedly lured by Paleologus.
“It tells a story about this guy,” Hunter said. “It goes for his intent and his (method of operation).”
During Paleologus’ preliminary trial last June, prosecutors laid out evidence that they say links him to the events leading up to Johnson’s disappearance. The evidence also establishes a pattern of Paleologus luring at least seven other women by posing as a publicity photographer for a James Bond movie or as an industry executive. In most cases, Paleologus asked that the women show up to the photo shoots wearing provocative clothing, including black high heel stiletto pumps, a short black mini skirt and nylons, according to testimony.
That clothing was consistent with what Johnson was wearing when she was found dead two weeks after she disappeared. She also tried on the clothing at her 29th Street apartment for her roommate shortly before she went to meet Paleologus on Feb. 15, according to court testimony.
Johnson disappeared that day after telling her roommates she was going to a photo shoot in Beverly Hills to meet a man she had met earlier at the Century City Mall. She was found dead on March 3 at the bottom of a ravine in Laurel Canyon, a remote neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills. Her ankles were bound, and she was covered in a sleeping bag.
Johnson’s autopsy reveals that she was sexually assaulted and died of strangulation, as well as blunt force trauma and other contusions.
Paleologus, 42, got three years probation after a jury deadlocked on charges against him in 1991 for attempted rape, assault and false imprisonment. He allegedly lured a woman into a hotel room after telling her she would meet famous people, including Madonna, at a party for record executives. Paleologus then allegedly tied the woman to a hotel bed and attempted to rape her, but she was able to escape.
Paleologus has been convicted of six felonies since 1998 that range from grand theft to burglary to assault. He was released from state prison on Jan. 20, three weeks before Johnson disappeared.
Paleologus, who has pleaded not guilty and could face the death penalty if convicted, said he’s innocent and is being targeted based on his criminal history.
Paleologus’ trial is expected to begin early next year.
Paleologus’ attorney, Andrew Flier, didn’t return calls seeking comment. He told the Daily Press last year that the DA’s case is weak because it’s based on circumstantial evidence only. He pointed out that the prosecution has no scientific evidence linking Paleologus to the murder — no fingerprints were found her car, no blood or DNA was found in any of the places searched by police, or near her body.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 16, 2004. Read the original PDF.