Deputies Identify Man Slain at Melrose Avenue Gallery

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have identified a man who was killed in a tony Melrose Avenue antique store as 44-year-old George L. Barthe.

Barthe was shot inside Shapes Galerie in the 8400 block of Melrose Avenue about 2 p.m. Monday. He died at the scene.

Deputies investigating the killing found no evidence of forced entry or a struggle.

Merchants on Melrose Avenue described the victim, who ran the business, as a quiet, friendly man and a native of France.

Barthe and his colleagues at the gallery “seemed to really keep to themselves,” said Tony Fernandez, vice president of City Studio, which occupies the same buildings as Shapes. “They were very involved in the business.”

The store, which specializes in Art Deco French furniture, recently began a line of reproductions and seemed to be thriving, several merchants said.

“They have a pretty good reputation,” said Scott Hunt of Panache Design. “They sell to a lot of celebrities just like we do. . . . You have limos pulling up. That’s the sort of area this is.”

Because the area caters to high-end interior designers, many stores are closed on weekends and holidays. Barthe was killed on Memorial Day.

“If it is random it’s very scary,” Hunt said.

Many businesses in the area--which is known for its extensive offering of antique galleries--already require that customers ring a bell to gain entry.

“We all know each other,” said Jack Risbrough of La Maison Francaise Antiques. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”

Joel Chen, of J. Chen Antiques, said the shooting is causing some to rethink security measures. “In the off-hours we should be more alert,” Chen said.