A 31-year-old man suspected of killing a woman in Hollywood because of a financial dispute is scheduled for arraignment in a downtown Los Angeles court Tuesday, according to online booking records.
Ezeoma Obioha knew the victim, 30-year-old Carrie Melvin, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Liliana Preciado said.
Obioha, who claims ownership of several companies, had hired Melvin for social media promotion, but there was a falling out over payment, according to police. Obioha's check bounced, and she spoke of taking him to court, police said.
Obioha operated an apparel company called Hood, Inc. out of a storefront in a Pico Blvd mini-mall. He also worked as a security guard for the next door medical marijuana dispensary, according to other shopkeepers in the mall.
"I guess he was trying to be somebody people would notice," said barber Steve Broome. "But he seem liked a security guard, overzealous about his position."
Obioha wore a tactical vest and carried a sidearm, Broome said. "He seemed nice, but a little off."
Broome recalled having seen Melvin at least three times in recent months, working inside Obioha's shop.
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On Sunday evening, July 5, Melvin had just left her Hollywood apartment on McAdden Place for a walk with her boyfriend. As they neared Sunset Blvd, a gunman now suspected of being Obioha came from behind and shot her to death, then walked to a car and drove off.
Those close to Melvin, including her father Bernie Melvin, were aware she'd had a payment dispute with a client.
"I don't know what went wrong, because he never talked to nobody," said Godwin Ali, who has a cigar shop in the mini-mall.
Obioha's demeanor did not change at all after Melvin's death, said both Ali and Broome, who recalled often seeing Obioha smiling.
Obioha lived in the nearby Picfair Village neighborhood, and had been active in its community association. He also served on the Community Police Advisory Board at LAPD's Wilshire area station.
Friday, police served warrants at both Hood, Inc. and the dispensary, and also at Obioha's home in the nearby Picfair neighborhood.
Obioha was initially taken into custody on a drug offense involving marijuana, then Friday evening was booked for murder at LAPD's Olympic Station, where West Bureau Homicide is based.
Booking records show bail level was set at $1 million, and he remains in custody awaiting arraignment.
City News Service contributed to this report.
