Inglewood Man Arrested In Connection To Murder Of Transgender Woman

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —Detectives announced the arrest Thurday of a 30-year-old man accused of murdering a transgender woman.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers received a 911 call from an assault victim around 4:00 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2014, reporting she had just been robbed in the 6100 block of South Wilton Place.

Police added shots were heard over the telephone, as the victim explained the suspect had returned to the scene. Neighbors in the area also reported hearing shots fired in the area.

Once on scene, officers pronounced Deshawnda Sanchez dead at the scene.

Detectives explained an investigation connected Robert James Spells, of Inglewood, to the murder of Sanchez.

Spells is also accused in a human trafficking case involving an 11-year-old female, which occurred on Feb. 8.

According to police, Spells was taken into custody around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at a relative's home.

Officers reported a news conference will be held around 10:00 a.m. to discuss the circumstances surrounding Spells' arrest.

Anyone with information regarding either crime is urged to contact the 77th Division Criminal Gang/Homicide Detectives at (213) 485-1383.