Author-Turned-Murderer|RIP Police Dog: Culver City Top Stories

CULVER CITY, CA – Here are the top stories from Culver City and around the West Los Angeles area this week:

Author-Turned-Murderer Sentenced To Life Without Parole
A West Hollywood man was sentenced for killing his girlfriend, draining her body of all blood in a crime that mirrored a book he co-wrote.

Police Dog Merlin, Who Died At 16, Remembered By Police
Merlin, a Belgian Malinois, was the longest-living Beverly Hills Police Department K-9, according to police.

Judge Extends Restraining Order Against Taylor Swift Fan

An allegedly obsessed fan is accused of trying to break into the singer's Beverly Hills mansion two months ago.

Venice Pier Fire: City Approves Emergency Funding For Repairs
After a fire damage the Venice Pier this week, city leaders authorized $5 million to get the tourist attraction back open.

Suspect Arrested For Attempted Sexual Assault In Beverly Hills
The suspect grabbed the victim from behind and pulled her to a secluded location where he attempted to sexually assault her, police said.

Hiker Who Died In Santa Monica Mountains ID'd
The 52-year-old collapsed Sunday on a trail, officials said.

Killer Of Mercedes Grille Cook In Venice Sentenced
Guillermo Carmona-Perez, 24, who also worked a second job at Baja Cantina, was stabbed to death after his shift.

Council Votes To Adopt Malibu Homelessness Strategic Plan
"We're starting to see positive results, & it really says a lot about who we are as a compassionate, engaged city," Mayor Rick Mullen said.

LAPD Sergeant Hospitalized After Hit-And-Run Crash In Culver City
The sergeant is listed in serious condition with broken bones but no life-threatening injuries, police said.

DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint In Santa Monica This Weekend
SMPD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that "DUI Doesn't Just Mean Booze."

Los Angeles County News

Man In Boxers And Superhero Poses Shuts Down 101 Freeway
Rush hour commuters were not amused Wednesday when a shirtless man unfurled homemade signs above the 101 Freeway, forcing its closure.

Boy, 10, Came Out As Gay Shortly Before His Violent Death
Los Angeles County leaders are reeling after another little boy was reportedly tortured and killed after more than a dozen reports of abuse.

Obama To Headline DNC Fundraiser In LA Area
Singer Christina Aguilera will perform at the event, with tickets going for $2,700 to $100,000.

Joe Jackson, Patriarch Of The Musical Jackson Family, Has Died
Joe Jackson, the controversial patriarch and music manager of the Jackson family, has died. He was 89.

Hijack Scare Grounds LA-Bound Flight At JFK
A pilot mistakenly signaled a hijacking to the JFK control tower, prompting police to surround the JetBlue plane packed with passengers.

Grammy Awards Expand Nominees In Attempt To Diversify
The Recording Academy will increase the number of nominees from five to eight in four of the top categories.

Academy of Motion Pictures Balloons In Bid For Diversity
After backlash over the Oscars' back-to-back all-white nominees, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences dramatically diversified.

Pres. Trump To Rep. Maxine Waters: 'Be Careful What You Wish For'
Twitter warning, which included I.Q. jab, from the president to the congresswoman followed her rallying to "push back" on administration.

LA County July 4th Fireworks, Parades & More: 2018 Guide

Your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other festive events throughout the Los Angeles area.

Looking to buy a new home, or just want to peek at the houses on the market near you?

Own The Copper Dome Home In Malibu For $1.4 Million

The home is "move right in" ready, including all furnishings and appliances – it even includes a pool and spa, too!

This Santa Monica Duplex Is 108 Years Old, But Doesn't Look It

Even though it was built in 1910, the property is fresh and updated, giving it a bright and modern look.

Take A Look Inside This $135 Million Beverly Hills Mansion
It has an all-in-one indoor sports complex and the "biggest zero-edge pool in Beverly Hills."

Hidden Behind Hedges: Tiny Beach Bungalow For Sale In Venice

Sweet, one-bedroom charmer with a vintage vibe.

Main image via Patch