Full Notification

September 20, 2011

Attacker To be Charged with Murder

Los Angeles. Kevivon Dayzhawn Brown, who was brutally stabbed in front of the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown Los Angeles on July 29, 2011, died September 16, 2011 from his injuries.

Brown’s attacker, 32-year-old Melvin Parker, who is in custody and charged with attempted murder will now be re-charged with murder.

Detectives found Parker, a parolee, the day after Brown's murder at the Crown Inn Motel where, after a short stand-off, he was arrested.

“It was a great credit to the patrol officers assigned to the Safer Cities Initiative who quickly realized who the suspect was,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “These officers have an established rapport with the missions and locals, and they put all that to use, which led to Parker’s arrest the next day in South Los Angeles.”

Also taken into custody was Brown's female companion, Willina Patterson, who was wanted for an unrelated murder. “It was a case of ‘birds of a feather’ and a two-for-one arrest.”

According to witnesses, Brown, who was 22 years old and lived in Pomona, frequented Skidrow where he had an on-going dispute with Parker over drugs and money. The two men had fought twice that day, and it was during the second fight that Brown was stabbed in the face and the chest.

He remained in critical condition for several weeks until he was moved to a convalescent hospital, where he died.

Anyone with additional information on this crime is urged to call Detective Thayer Lake, Central Homicide Unit, at (213) 972-1254. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

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Prepared by: Lt. Paul Vernon