Violent Robbery Shakes Upscale Los Angeles Neighborhood

The residents of an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood were left stunned after a violent robbery attempt on September 13 turned tragic. In the typically quiet and secure Thurston Circle area of West Los Angeles, a couple was confronted by armed assailants in the driveway of their home. The husband, identified only as Aguilar, was shot in the head during the incident, leaving him critically injured.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Aguilar and his wife were approached by at least four suspects who demanded valuables. As the confrontation escalated, the suspects opened fire, striking Aguilar before fleeing the scene in a waiting getaway vehicle. Aguilar was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition.

The suspects didn’t escape unscathed, however. One of the attackers, Mario Melara, sustained injuries during the robbery, though the details of how or where he was hurt remain unclear. He later died from his wounds in a local hospital.

After nearly a month of investigation, three suspects—identified as Jason Melara, Daymonee Johnson, and Mahki Taylor—were arrested in Northern California on October 10. All three now face serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon.

The violent nature of this crime has left the local community in shock, serving as a stark reminder that danger can strike anywhere—even in neighborhoods considered to be safe.

For those with any additional information about this investigation, authorities urge you to contact LAPD detectives at 213-486-6840 or email RHDTipline@LAPD.online. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: KTLA