2 Women Could Face Death Penalty in Fatal Robbery of North Hollywood Clerk

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Two women were charged today with capital murder for the shooting death of a liquor store clerk during an attempted robbery in North Hollywood.

Rosa Manuela Barrientos, 23, of Los Angeles, and Maria Michelle Inzunza, 25, of Hollywood, are accused in the killing late Saturday of Mohammed Kalam, 61, of North Hollywood at the Liquor Mart at Sherman Way and Bellaire Avenue.

The murder charge includes the special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of an attempted robbery. Prosecutors will decide later whether to seek the death penalty against the two, who are also charged with attempted second-degree robbery.

The criminal complaint alleges that Barrientos intentionally discharged a handgun during the crime and that she has a 2015 conviction for second-degree robbery.

The two women, who were arrested Tuesday in Hollywood, were ordered held without bail while awaiting arraignment Oct. 18 at the Van Nuys courthouse.

Customers and neighboring business operators said Kalam, a native of Bangladesh, had worked the late shift at the liquor store for many years.

City News Service