SHERMAN OAKS—Two individuals have been arrested as of Tuesday, April 26, in connection to a home robbery that ended in the murder of, Stuart Herman, 80. The Los Angeles Police Department’s FBI Fugitive Task Force, Operations Valley Bureau Homicide and Gangs and Narcotics Division, identified and arrested the individuals while serving two search warrants.

The LAPD reported on March 2, West Valley Patrol Officers responded to a radio call of an “Assault with a deadly weapon.”

On April 26, around 8 a.m. the first search warrant was served at the 1600 block of Emerick Avenue in Simi Valley. Detectives located the first suspect, Timothy Kirkpatrick, 42, who refused to exit the location and barricaded himself. He was taken into custody without further incident.

The second search warrant was served around 2 p.m. on the 5400 block of Allott Avenue in Sherman Oaks. Detectives located the second suspect, Hakop Keloyan, 48, who attempted to flee from the rear of the property. He was taken into custody without further incident.

The home located at 4500 block of Densmore Avenue was broken into by multiple suspects who entered through the garage. Herman was returning home after a shopping trip to Costco with his former brother-in-law when they were confronted by the assailants. 

Detectives completed the search warrant and discovered an illegal marijuana grow in the subterranean garage. The Van Nuys Area Narcotics Enforcement Detail responded and removed hundreds of marijuana plants. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) responded and conducted a theft of electricity investigation.

Kirkpatrick and Keloyan were arrest and booked for 187 PC- Murder. Both are due in Van Nuys Court on April 28 for arraignment.

Herman was fatally shot and his brother-in-law was pistol whipped and assaulted. According to police, Herman was not specifically targeted and his death was the result of the burglary.  

Anyone with details about the incident, additional incidents involving these suspects, or for more information, is asked to call Operation Valley Bureau Homicide. Anyone with information or video regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Evans and Detective Lopez at (818) 374-9550. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

Written By Christianne McCormick and Casey Jacobs