Two Pasadena Residents Arrested in Connection to 1997 Murder

A Pasadena woman, 41, and a man, 38, have been taken into custody on charges stemming from a murder which took place in Altadena in 1997. D.J. and D.E., D.J.'s former girlfriend, were arrested in separate traffic stops after warrants were obtained by detectives. The incident involved what investigators are calling the "senseless and cowardly" slaying of an 18-year-old man over some CDs. The suspects had been dating at the time of the incident and were reportedly affiliated with the Bloods gang. The two had been at a party in Altadena which was also attended by the victim, J.J., who was an alleged member of the Crips gang. Witnesses say that D.E. accused a gang-affiliate of J.J.'s of stealing some CDs. The gang-affiliate reportedly slapped the woman and then J.J. stepped in and tried to cool things off. About 30 minutes later J.J. was shot to death while walking to his car. Several people have come forward and implicated D.J. and D.E. for the shooting over the course of the 15 years after the unresolved murder. Some of these implications were corroborated but detectives only recently were able to obtain arrest warrants for the former couple. Talk to a criminal defense attorney now if you have been arrested for a violent crime!

D.J. had been allegedly connected to a case involving a triple homicide involving young teen males on Halloween in 1993 but was not charged of any wrongdoing. He was convicted of grand theft auto in 2002, served six months in jail followed by five years probation. D.J. is currently being held in lieu of $2 million bail and D.E. in lieu of $1.5 million. They are expected to be arraigned on homicide charges in Pasadena Superior Court.

Have you been charged with a violent crime?

Violent crimes charges such as assault, battery, rape, armed robbery, homicide and others can severely impact your life. Besides having to experience harsh penalties such as imprisonment, fines and more, a conviction for a violent crime can cause problems for years after you have served time. You may miss out on employment opportunities, be turned down for a loan or be ineligible for certain college financial aid and loans. A criminal defense lawyer may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed if you were acting in self-defense or if there were other circumstances which make the accusations against you unwarranted. Contact our dedicated team at the Law Offices of Matthew Cargal right away to see how we may be able to help you with your case.