Updated: 210 Freeway Murder Suspect Remains in Medical Ward, Arraignment Delayed

Updated May 16 9:05 a.m.: Aram Sarukhanyan, 27, of Tujunga has been charged with murder for the shooting death of his cousin, Adrine Arzumanyan. However, Sarukhanyan will not be arraigned for approximately 30 days, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

Sarukhanyan is currently in the medical ward of a Los Angeles County jail, recovering from a self-inflicted gun shot wound to his chin. The wound is not fatal and he is expected to survive, said LASD officials. Because of his medical condition, he is unable to be questioned by police at this time. After Sarukhanyan's release from the medical ward in about one month, he will be arraigned. 

Sarukhanyan’s bail is set at $3.2 million, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

Sarukhanyan is suspected of fatally shooting Arzumanyan, then disposing of her body on the westbound 210 Freeway near the La Crescenta Avenue exit on April 29, 2011. Afterward, Sarukhanyan allegedly pointed a handgun at a civilian who attempted to stop him, according to the LASD.

Deputies later found Sarukhanyan alongside the southbound 2 Freeway at Mountain Street. It is unclear whether Sarukhanyan was attempting suicide by shooting himself in the chin.

Arzumanyan’s cause of death was “multiple gunshot wounds,” according to the Los Angeles County Coroner.

Sarukhanyan is charged with one count of murder and one count of brandishing a firearm at a person in a motor vehicle.

If convicted as charged, Sarukhanyan could face a prison term of 50 years to life, according to officials.

Sarukhanyan is unmarried and has a gun registered in his name, according to officials.

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