This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
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.
Text Message Murder Suspect Turns Himself In
Zareh Manjikian
The suspect in what has become known as the "Text Message Murder" turned himself in yesterday, after being released on bond in Puerto Rico in May. Zareh Manjikian, now 23, is accused of fatally shooting Mike Yepremyan,19, in North Hollywood in 2009, after the victim sent an insulting text message.The text message apparently insulted Manjikian's girlfriend's friend. Yepremyan was gunned down in the parking lot of the Sears at Valley Plaza. He was instructed by an anonymous to go there for a meeting.
Manjikian was caught in Puerto Rico, where a judge allowed him to be released, even though there was a no-bail arrest warrant in place from Los Angeles.
After Manjikian's release, local authorities andleaders, including area Councilman Paul Krekorian, sought a federal probe into the judge's actions.
Manjikian will be arraigned today or Monday.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
