Inglewood Man Charged With Murder, Human Trafficking

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 30-year-old man was charged Monday for allegedly murdering a transgender woman, and sexually assaulting a young girl.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Robert James Spells, of Inglewood, was charged with one count of murder with the special circumstance of murder durign the commission of a robbery.

Spells also faces one count each of second-degree robbery, human trafficking of a minor for a sex act, forcible lewd act upon a child, and lewd act upon a child. He was also charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Prosecutors explained Spells is accused of killing Deshawn B., 21, on Dec. 3, 2014, during a robbery that occurred in the 6100 block of South Wilton Place.

Between Feb. 7 and Feb. 16, he is also accused of allegedly offering an 11-year-old girl to men for sex, the district attorney added.

On Feb. 26, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that Spells was arrested in connection with the murder of a transgender woman.

Spells could face life in state prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty, if convicted as charged.

Authorities explained the decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later time.