A couple has been charged in the November 2021 death of Iran Moreno, 13, who was shot as he played video games.
Muhammad Abdul-Malik, 38, and Teraeja Flemmings, 31, were charged July 18, as announced by Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County district attorney.
“The violence that took this young boy’s life is not only tragic, but also unacceptable and criminal,” Hochman said.
“No family should ever have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child under such horrific circumstances. While we cannot undo this tragedy, we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
Abdul-Malik and Flemmings are each charged with one count of murder. Abdul-Malik is also charged with one felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon. It is further alleged that Abdul-Malik personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury or death.
Hochman requested that Abdul-Malik be held on a $3 million bail, and that Flemmings be held on a $2 million bail.
Flemmings was expected to be arraigned July 21 in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse. Defendant Abdul-Malik is in custody in Florida awaiting extradition.
On Nov. 20, 2021, Iran was shot and killed while he was playing video games in his bedroom at home on the 900 block of North Raymond Avenue in Pasadena. Abdul-Malik allegedly fired a single gunshot through a window of Moreno’s home from a vacant lot across the street. Abdul-Malik then got into a getaway vehicle allegedly driven by Flemmings.
If convicted as charged, Abdul-Malik faces 53 years to life in state prison, and Flemmings faces 25 years to life in state prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Antonella Nistorescu of the Major Crimes Division and was investigated by the Pasadena Police Department.
