Watch CBS News

Man Charged With Killing Transgender Girlfriend On Skid Row

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)   —  A man was formally charged Friday with murdering his transgender partner on Skid Row Wednesday.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced 39-year-old Daniel Molayem was charged with one count each of murder and assault with a firearm as well as a personal use of a handgun allegation.

Arraignment was scheduled for April 8.

Deputy DA Lisa Kassabian of the Family Violence Division is prosecuting the case.

On Wednesday, around 1:15 p.m., Molayem is accused of approaching the victim, 32-year-old Courtney Y., in the 500 block of San Pedro Street and opening fire. The victim died at the scene.

The defendant and the victim were in a dating relationship for an unknown time, prosecutors said.

City News Service reported that the victim was shot in the head.

Molayem also was charged with an assault the same day on another person.

If convicted as charged, Molayem faces up to life in state prison.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.