Local News in Brief : Jury Finds ‘Rampager’ Guilty of Murder, 34 Other Crimes
A23-year-old Compton man who allegedly told police he came to the San Fernando Valley “to rampage” was convicted Thursday by a Van Nuys jury of committing murder and 34 other felonies during a four-month crime spree in late 1983 and early 1984.
The Superior Court jury found Johnnie Earl Evans guilty of killing Leonard Flaum, 78, of Sherman Oaks. He was also convicted of attempted murder, residential robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, various sex-related offenses and other charges.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Steven Sowders said the 11 separate crimes were committed in Encino and Sherman Oaks from Oct. 13, 1983, to Feb. 7, 1984.
Flaum was shot on the front porch of his home in the 4300 block of Mammoth Avenue when Evans attempted to loot the house, police said.
Evans was arrested during a police stakeout in Encino last year. He was on parole at the time following a robbery conviction.
Evans faces a possible life sentence.
His brother, Roy Evans, 19, is charged with 10 felony counts stemming from the Valley rampage and is scheduled to go on trial Monday.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
