Twins Charged In Connection With Stabbing Death Of Woman Near USC

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Twin brothers accused in the stabbing death of a woman near USC have been charged with murder, authorities said Wednesday.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said Keishon Blake and Kenyata Blake, both 18, were each charged with a single count of murder in the stabbing death of Maria Elena Rivas, 62.

The Blake brothers are accused of robbing and killing Rivas while she walked home Dec. 22. Authorities also suspect the brothers in a Mid-City robbery Jan. 23.

Prosecutors said both have also been charged with two counts of second-degree robbery.

"These two, although 18 years old, had a criminal record that consisted of robberies and assaults and having these two thugs off the streets right now, people should feel a lot safer," LAPD detective Sal LaBarbera said.

Both were being held in lieu of $1 million.