Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Did a Preacher and "Sexiest Bachelor in America" Contestant Murder His Porn Star Girlfriend?
Felicia Lee was a model and actress who used the name Felicia Tang
()
Jury selection is underway for the trial of Brian Lee Randone, the 45-year-old self-proclaimed preacher and onetime "Sexiest Bachelor in America" contender accused of killing his porn star girlfriend in 2009. Randone, now 47, "is charged with murder and torture for allegedly killing Felicia Lee," explains Monrovia Patch.Lee, 31, was killed at the couple's Monrovia apartment. She appeared in various films, including mainstream releases and adult films, under the name Felicia Tang, according to the Pasadena Star-News. Her body was discovered "beaten and suffocated" inside the apartment. Randone called 911 to report his girlfriend wasn't breathing, however forensic evidence suggested that was not the case. The judge, however, would not release photos from Lee's autopsy, but said they were indeed "gruesome."
"Witnesses say the couple was involved in a domestic dispute before the slaying,"notes True Crime Report.
The couple reportedly met at swimming pool of a Vegas casino just four months before Lee was killed.
Randone appeared on the 2000 reality television pageant "The Sexiest Bachelor in America" with the intention of not being sexy, but rather representing good Christian values on behalf of his home state of Nebraska.
Support for LAist comes from
Following his September 2009 arrest, Randone remains behind bars on $2 million bail. He has pleaded not guilty to the crimes.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist