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2nd Arrest Made In Beating Of Transgender Woman In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Police on Wednesday announced the arrest of a second suspect in the beating of a transgender woman in Hollywood this past May.

While conducting an on-going investigation, authorities said they got enough information and probable cause about a suspect to make an arrest.

KCAL9's Suraya Fadel said Wednesday evening police were tight-lipped. They didn't name the suspect or even how they came to make the arrest.

By phone, the victim's sister said she was "shocked" about the arrest but relieved as well.

Authorities promised more information about the suspect and the investigation at a news conference on Thursday.

The arrest Wednesday marks the second arrest in the case. Two other suspects are outstanding.

Nicol Shakhnazaryan was arrested in June.  He pleaded not guilty to charges of battery with serious bodily injury, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and a special allegation of great bodily injury. He was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Police believe Shakhnazaryan was one of four men who beat 22-year-old Vivian Diego in the 6200 block of Hollywood Boulevard, near a Metro stop, May 31.

The attack, which authorities called a hate crime, was caught on security video and showed the suspects knock down and repeatedly kick the victim.

vivian diego interview
(credit: CBS)

Diego suffered a broken jaw, a shattered cheekbone and two cracked ribs. Her jaw was wired shut, and she was hospitalized for seven days.

At the time of the attack, Diego told KCAL9, "It was awful ... I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."

She remembered being kicked in the temple before blacking out.

RELATED LINKS:

21-Year-Old Man Charged With Beating Transgender Woman In Hollywood

Victim Of Hate Crime Beating Speaks Out About Attack

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