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Man Charged with Murder in Road Death of Malibu Girl  
By Jonathan Friedman
Lookout Staff

April 7, 2010 -- The man who allegedly struck and killed a 13-year-old Malibu High School student on Saturday while she was walking on Pacific Coast Highway was charged with murder on Tuesday.

The deadly collision occurred just 24 hours after a Santa Monica man was killed four miles away in an unrelated crash on PCH in Malibu.

Sina Khankhanian, 26, of Winnetka, pleaded not guilty to murdering Emily Shane. Judge Keith L. Schwartz ordered Khankhanian to be held in jail on $3 million bail. He must return to court on May 6 for a preliminary hearing at the Airport Branch Courthouse.

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s report stated Khankhanian “may have deliberately caused the vehicle to crash.” After striking Emily, the car hit a power pole and overturned.

 


The investigation continues regarding 19-year-old Oxnard resident David Corona, who is accused of causing the death of 48-year-old Santa Monica resident James Stellar.

Investigators believe Corona might have fallen asleep prior to his vehicle hitting Stellar’s car while Stellar attempted to turn onto Broad Beach Road from PCH.

Sgt. Phil Brooks, head of Traffic at the Malibu Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, said it could be several months before it would be known if charges would be filed.

The two deaths on PCH in Malibu just 24 hours apart, as well as a third death that happened earlier in the year, have sparked cries for new safety measure on the coastal highway. Malibu City officials are expected to discuss the issue at a City Council meeting on Monday.

 


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