The Region - News from April 6, 1987

A 17-year-old Santa Monica movie theater cashier was shot and killed execution-style and an assistant manager was wounded during a robbery at the Wilshire Theater. Henry Cuesta died at Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center from gunshot wounds to the neck. James Randell, 24, the assistant manager, was reported in serious but stable condition at the hospital, also with bullet wounds to the neck. Santa Monica Police Detective Ray Cooper said the shooting occurred while patrons watched screenings of “Platoon” and “Blind Date.” Cooper described the shootings as “a business robbery that apparently went foul.” He said some patrons were being questioned, but most did not witness the shootings, which took place in a remote office. Police Sgt. Russ Martin added that the robbery did not net the assailant much money because the night’s final receipts had already been stored in a safe.