SANTA MONICA—On June 11, Kelvin Melvin Green, 55, of Los Angeles entered a plea of guilty for the murder of his estranged wife, Christine Talley, 46, also of Los Angeles. According to a press release from the Santa Monica Police Department, the suspect will spend 75 years to life in prison.
Deputy District Attorney Amy Carter from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office indicated that Green entered a guilty plea to one count of murder and admitted to two prior strikes. Before entering his plea the suspect faced the possible death penalty.
On August 21, 2011, Green parked his vehicle outside of the Albertson’s store on 3105 Wilshire Blvd. He entered the store, approached his wife Talley from behind who was working on the cash register. The suspect whispered something into his estranged wife’s ear before he stabbed her 41 times in the head, face and upper torso. Talley later succumbed to her injuries on August 22, 2011.
Some of the patrons inside the grocery store attempted to stop the attack by throwing items at Green, but were not able to halt the attack. The suspect left the store got into his vehicle and drove off. He was identified by other store employees who recognized the suspect because of the couple’s strained relationship. Santa Monica Police Detectives located the murder weapon close by and arrested Green the day after the attack in Los Angeles.
A criminal complaint indicated that Green was convicted in 1985 for a robbery he was involved in where he used a deadly weapon. Green did assault a Good Samaritan who intervened and tried to stop the suspect when he attacked his wife. That individual was not injured during the assault.
Anyone with information or questions is asked to contact Detective Dan Larios at (310) 458-8937; Sergeant Tom McLaughlin at (310) 458-8430; or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at (310) 458-8495.
Callers can also contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS, texting from your mobile, or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Callers may remain anonymous and may be qualified to receive up to a $1,000.00 reward.
Talley informed her estranged husband that she was ending their relationship and that she was getting a restraining order against him, the prosecutor added. Green is expected back in court in Department E on September 3 for a restitution hearing.
