Law Enforcement

Couple in BMW shot to death in carjacking attempt
A couple sitting in a BMW has been shot to death in an apparent carjacking attempt near the University of Southern California. KNX radio says the victims are USC students, but LAPD Officer Sara Faden says she cannot confirm that report. Investigators say a gunman shot the couple at about 1 a.m. Wednesday in the West Adams area. The BMW was in the roadway, not at the curb, with blown out windows on both sides of the car.
Associated Press

Even as violent crime falls, killing of officers rises
As violent crime has decreased across the country, a disturbing trend has emerged: rising numbers of police officers are being killed. According to statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 72 officers were killed by perpetrators in 2011, a 25 percent increase from the previous year and a 75 percent increase from 2008. The 2011 deaths were the first time that more officers were killed by suspects than car accidents, according to data compiled by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
New York Times

Dodgers beef up security for Opening Day
Police reported a dip in the number of arrests and public drinking citations at the opening day game at Dodger Stadium, where there was a heavy police presence one year after a Giants fan was beaten into a coma in the parking lot. Two arrests were made and 72 public drinking citations were given on Tuesday, down from 89 arrests and citations last year, said Officer Bruce Borihanh.
Associated Press

Man found stabbed to death in Koreatown apartment
Los Angeles police officers are investigating the stabbing death of a 25-year-old man in a Koreatown apartment. Police were called to the Villa Sir Francis Drake apartments on South Serrano Avenue about 2:40 a.m. Tuesday, where they found the man with a knife in his back and stab wounds to his head. The man, who was neither conscious nor breathing, was inside a fifth-floor apartment.
Los Angeles Times

Recent increase in robberies in the Venice Beach area
There has been a recent increase of robberies in the Venice Beach area. Pedestrians carrying electronic devices such as iPhones and iPods have been targeted. Do not walk around with electronic devices or earplugs exposed and be aware of your surroundings. If you have information to report that could help lead to an arrest in this crime/crime activity, please contact police.
LAPD Community Alert

$4.5 million for a drive-by shooter? No way
Sadly, there will be more situations in which our officers must act to defend themselves or us. We must let them know that when they do so appropriately and according to policy, we as a city will strongly support and fight for them. And we must send a clear message to those who would put the public and our officers at risk as well: If you suffer injury that results from your own violent crimes, don't look to L.A. taxpayers to pay for your medical care for life.
Councilmember Paul Krekorian/Los Angeles Times

Bin Laden replaced on FBI most wanted list
A former private school teacher and camp counselor facing child pornography charges was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list Tuesday. The May 2011 raid by U.S. forces in Pakistan which killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden opened up the spot on the Top Ten list which Toth now fills.
CNN

Prisons & Parole

L.A. County sheriff says much of troubled jail should be closed
Facing an FBI investigation into brutality in his jails, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca publicly committed Tuesday to shuttering much of his most problematic lockup, Men's Central Jail, barring some unexpected hike in violent crime. Speaking at a news conference outside sheriff's headquarters, Baca stated those plans publicly for the first time Tuesday. He dismissed the idea, however, that he was making the shift because of the intensified scrutiny in recent months of abuse inside his jails.
Los Angeles Times

Charles Manson's psychological records part of parole review
A parole board will review psychological reports and statements of victims as it considers the case of mass murderer Charles Manson on Wednesday. The board will meet Wednesday morning for what will be Manson's 12th attempt at parole. A decision is expected by late Wednesday afternoon. So far, Manson has said that he will not be showing up for this parole hearing, but an attorney for him will be present.
Los Angeles Times

L.A. County gives some homeless convicts priority in housing
Homeless convicts on probation or parole are now eligible for government-subsidized housing under a new housing plan approved by Los Angeles County supervisors. The change, which officials said was intended to help reduce chronic homelessness, would give some ex-prisoners priority over thousands of non-offenders who are awaiting government housing assistance, officials said.
Los Angeles Times