Police investigation complete
A Los Angeles district attorney confirmed Wednesday that the investigation into Santa Monica High School sophomore Deanna Maran’s murder should be complete within a week.
Whether or not charges will be filed against a 15-year-old girl who allegedly had a role in Maran’s Nov. 17 murder remains unclear, but will be decided upon next week.
“It’s more important that we get the right information rather than moving fast,” said Los Angeles District Attorney Alex Karkanen. “We want to do a full and thorough investigation.”
The 15-year-old’s half sister, 17-year-old Katrina Sarkissian, allegedly stabbed Deanna at a party attended by high school and college students. But Sarkissian died, possibly from a drug overdose, the day after the fatal party while being questioned by police. Autopsy results have not been released yet.
Maran, 15, was stabbed with a knife after she confronted the 15-year-old girl who was breaking potted plants at the home where the party was held in an upscale Westwood home. Deanna was then allegedly jumped by the girl, her sister and their friends — all of whom are reportedly from upscale communities, including Santa Monica and Brentwood.
Charges also may be brought MARAN, from page 1 against others who may have had a role in Maran’s death. Dozens of onlookers watched as Deanna was pinned down, continuously punched and kicked, then fatally stabbed with a knife. According to several eyewitness accounts, a Santa Monica High School student helped pin Maran down while she was being beat up. She has reportedly dropped out of SAMOHI.
Los Angeles Police Detective Ron Phillips said his investigation is complete and was handed over to Karkanen’s office last week. Dozens of people who attended the party have been interviewed.
“Until the DA’s office comes out with a decision I can’t discuss the case,” he said. “After it became public, a lot of kids came forward and they cooperated great.”
“After it became public, a lot of kids came forward and they cooperated great.” — — RON PHILLIPS LAPD detective
Karkanen said he’s working with the 15-year-old’s defense attorney. He wants to be careful that any charges brought against the teenager are supported by enough evidence.
“It certainly was a lot of work for the detectives,” he added.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 24, 2002. Read the original PDF.