Alleged Bus Stabber Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

A Glendale man pleaded not guilty today in the stabbing death of a passenger aboard a Metro bus in Highland Park.

Allan Jay Milton, 43, is charged with murder for the Nov. 9 killing of Phillip Melendez of Los Angeles.

The fatal attack occurred on Metro bus line 81 along North Figueroa Street around 10:40 p.m.

Milton allegedly stabbed Melendez after getting into an argument with him.

Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Barraza said three men boarded the bus at Avenue 57, walked to the back and began arguing with the victim, who was stabbed in the chest. The assailants fled when the bus, which was carrying about 10 passengers, stopped at North Figueroa and Meridian Streets, he said.

Sheriff’s officials said he fled when the bus stopped at North Figueroa and Meridian streets but was arrested by the sheriff’s Transit Policing Division the next day.

The two suspects being sought were described only as Hispanic men, reportedly ranging in age from 25 to 35. Anyone with information about their whereabouts was urged to call the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, (323) 890-5500; or Crime Stoppers, (800) 222-TIPS.

Milton remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail. He is due back in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Jan. 7, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.

If convicted, Milton could face up to 26 years to life in state prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

City News Service