Suspects in Zuma Murder Arraigned for Other Crimes
Three New Mexico teen-agers suspected of the fatal stabbing of a Northridge woman at Zuma Beach were arraigned Monday in Santa Fe for local crimes, while Los Angeles County prosecutors prepared to file homicide charges and seek their extradition.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Harvey Giss said he expects to file today or Wednesday a “special circumstance” homicide charge against the youth who is believed to have stabbed Jacqueline Kirkham, 43. The enhanced charge could send him to prison for life without parole.
Jason Alexander, 17, and 16-year-olds Michael Lorretto and Guillermo Bustos were ordered held on charges including burglary and probation violation, New Mexico authorities said.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators say the youths traveled to the Southland by bus to avoid a burglary investigation and murdered Kirkham on May 28 to obtain her car and money.
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