The former wife of a Woodland Hills doctor – who broke down in tears a few months ago at his memorial service – hired the suspect to ambush and kill her for money, prosecutors said.
Ahang Kelk, 53, is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the killing of Hamid Mirshojae, the LA County district attorney's office said Monday. Prosecutors say Kelk enlisted the help of several people to carry out the killings, three of whom have been indicted for their alleged role in the killing.
The 61-year-old doctor was shot in the head as he left his Woodland Hills office on August 23. The shooting happened a few months after the doctor was targeted by three men wielding baseball bats. The attack left him fearing for his life.
Evan Hardman, 41, of Texas and Sarallah Jawed, 26, of Canoga Park are accused of planning both incidents.
Hardman fired the fatal shot after he attacked Mirshojae with a gun, prosecutors said. Both suspects are charged with murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Hardman, who was arrested in Texas, was awaiting extradition to Los Angeles, prosecutors said.
Ashley Rose Sweeting, 40, of Reseda, is accused of driving Hardman from the scene. He is charged with being an accessory to murder and has pleaded not guilty.
“The depth of deception and violence in this case is sad,” said Dist. He said. Nathan Hochman in a statement. “We will not rest until justice is done.”
A fifth, Shawn Randolph, 46, of Valley Village, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of murder. Charges against him have not yet been announced.
Hardman and Mirshojae were scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Details about their requests were not immediately available.
“Over the past four months, the LAPD, along with our partner agencies, have worked tirelessly to bring those involved in this homicide to justice,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement. “The men and women of the LAPD will stop at nothing to bring justice and restore peace to our communities.”
Times staff writer Noah Goldberg contributed to this report.
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