West Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Homicide Detectives are investigating the death of a 15 year old girl that occurred in the West Los Angeles area.

On Saturday evening, November 17, 2001, at approximately 10:30 PM, 15 year old victim, Deanna Maran was attending a party at a private residence located on the 900 block of Thayer Avenue in West Los Angeles. Witnesses said that Maran, who was standing in the street in front of a residence, became involved in a fight with another 15 year old female suspect, which was then broken up by other party bystanders. A short time later, a second fight ensued with Victim Maran and the 17 year old sister of the first female suspect. The second fight escalated to the point where Victim Maran was mortally stabbed with an unknown weapon. Friends of Victim Maran transported her to nearby Santa Monica Hospital where she died of her wounds. LAPD Detectives responded to the incident location and, through witness accounts, identified two female suspects.

On the following day, Sunday, November 18, 2001, at approximately 2:00 PM, West LA Detectives served a search/arrest warrant at a location and two juvenile females, ages 15 and 17, were arrested for the murder of Victim Maran. The two teenage suspects were taken to the West Los Angeles Community Police Station for questioning. During the interview process, the 17-year-old suspect suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed. LAPD detectives responded by performing CPR, while calling a rescue ambulance, Los Angeles City Paramedics transported the young woman to UCLA Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 5:26 PM of unknown causes. LAPD detectives are investigating both incidents.

This press release was prepared by LAPD Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.