| Police Investigate 3rd Marijuana Dispensary Robbery, Homicide |
Last Saturday marked the third shooting in as many days at medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles. The shooting was the result of a robbery in which $11,000 was stolen. An employee of the Northridge dispensary was shot in the face and is in critical condition. This is the second time this year that this collective has been involved in an armed robbery and shooting. Two suspects from the first incident are awaiting trial.
The Thursday prior, two separate robberies and shootings occured, killing two people and injuring one. The first dispensary was Higher Path Holistic Care, located in Echo Park. One employee was critically injured and another, 27 year old Matthew Benjamin Butcher, was killed. According to the surviving victim, four suspects entered the store in the middle of the afternoon, around 4:15 p.m. After robbing the store, they shot both employees.
Mere hours later, another dispensary, this one in Hollywood, was targeted. Ila Ali Packman was an employee of Hollywood Holistic 2; he was found dead of apparent multiple stab wounds by his employer around 9:00 p.m.
If found, the suspects will likely face charges of grand theft, assault & battery, and homicide.
A new city ordinance took effect in June that orders 439 medical marijuana dispensaries to relocate or close. The ordinance states that dispensaries are no longer allowed to be within 1,000 feet of schools, public libraries, public parks, religious buildings, or another dispensary. It was put into place as an attempt to reduce crime. Most of the dispensaries have closed down; owners of those that remain face $2,500 per day fines and up to 6 months in jail.
If you have been charged with robbery or a violent crime, contact
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
Robert M. Bernstein for a free consultation.
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Posted By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on July 02, 2010 09:18 am | Permalink  |