Crucial lesson to learn is non-violence
For the parents of 15-year-old murder victim Deanna Maran, justice is a slow and painful process.
“It was hard enough to get through the holidays and now on top of it, I have this shadow lingering over me,” Harriet Maran said. “I wake up and think she’s coming back. But after a month and a half, I realize she’s not coming back. I just go through the motions.
“Normal day-to-day living is a chore in itself.” The 15-year-old girl accused of having a role in Deanna’s murder Nov. 17 was scheduled to appear in court Thursday to answer to pending charges brought against her.
But police said earlier this week that the teenager will not appear. Instead, she would be interviewed by Los Angeles Police detectives with her parents present, a common practice in juvenile murder cases.
“When you have a juvenile, you can have them return with their parents and talk to the detectives,” said LAPD spokesman Jack Richter, adding the topics of discussion will include everything from her alleged role in the stabbing death of Deanna to her private life and school activities. After the conference, LAPD detectives and the district attorney’s office can determine if charges will be brought against the girl, Richter said.
Seventeen-year-old Katrina Sarkissian, identified as the 15-year-old’s sister, allegedly stabbed Deanna. But Sarkissian died, possibly from a drug overdose, the day after the fatal party while being questioned by police.
Harriet feels the crucial lesson for families is that non-violence is the key to raising well-balanced adults.
“I’ve got a bigger job now,” Harriet said. “I feel obligated to her memory and that she didn’t die for nothing and this won’t happen again.”
Harriet plans to attend the juvenile’s trial if and when it is scheduled. But she said she is not confident in the justice system.
“I would like to think there is justice,” Harriet said.
She said she is frustrated and disappointed that she hasn’t been contacted by either the family of the girls who allegedly attacked and murdered Deanna or the owners of the house where the killing occurred.
“They have not once talked to us,” Harriet said. “To me, these people are beyond hope.”
Families of the accused could not be reached for comment.
Harriet is also frustrated about what she perceives as a lack of effort by local police and the Los Angeles Police Department to keep her and her husband, Ilja, abreast of developments in the case. Homicide detectives came to the Maran house three times after the murder to gather information.
Ilja said he talked to a LAPD detective Wednesday who told him investigators have contacted everyone who witnessed the attack and the investigation should be complete by the end of the month.
Still, Ilja said he would have appreciated more information about the investigation during the past few weeks, though “at least I am pleased that they are not taking it lightly,” he said.
The LAPD’s Richter said the Marans’ feelings are typical for victims who feel the need to keep in touch with a system that can move, in their view, exceedingly slow.
“The victim’s loved ones feel frustrated with the system and that happens,” he said. “It’s an unfortunate thing, because it adds to the tragedy.”
The Marans were not allowed to attend the juvenile’s interview Thursday because it was not an open hearing.
“The parents would not be invited anyway,” Richter said, indicating the proceeding is part of an ongoing investigation. “It doesn’t concern them. It’s questioning of the suspect.”
The Marans have hired security guards to watch over their house after a car drove onto the sidewalk last month and mowed down a shrine dedicated to Deanna on the front lawn. Ten-year-old Ilja Maran was standing outside when the incident occurred.
The Marans fear more retribution may follow.
“It wasn’t random,” Harriet said. The television news magazine “Dateline,” will profile the case and the circumstances surrounding Deanna’s death next month.
Contributions to the Deanna Maran Memorial Scholarship for Non-Violence can be sent to SAMOHI Scholarships, Santa Monica High School, 601 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 18, 2002. Read the original PDF.