{"id":15186,"date":"2025-05-22T23:16:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T06:16:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/?p=15186"},"modified":"2025-05-22T23:16:04","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T06:16:04","slug":"la-live-homicide-case-heads-to-trial-amid-ongoing-mystery-over-motive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/la-live-homicide-case-heads-to-trial-amid-ongoing-mystery-over-motive\/","title":{"rendered":"LA Live Homicide Case Heads to Trial Amid Ongoing Mystery Over Motive"},"content":{"rendered":"

With Motive Still a Mystery, Judge Moves L.A. Live Homicide to Trial<\/h1>\n

Introduction to the Case<\/h2>\n

A Los Angeles County judge ruled Thursday that prosecutors can proceed with murder charges against two men accused of killing a university administrator, despite authorities presenting no motive for the brazen homicide at L.A. Live. Sidney Barrett Morris, 43, an official at Cal State Northridge, was eating dinner alone two years ago when a masked man shot him in the back of the head.<\/p>\n

The Charges and Evidence<\/h2>\n

Prosecutors charged two men, Santana Kelly and Phillip Clark, with murder based on surveillance videos, phone records, jail calls, and other evidence. They allege Clark was the shooter and that Kelly orchestrated the killing. Lawyers for Kelly and Clark asked a judge to dismiss the case for lack of evidence, arguing prosecutors hadn\u2019t established a connection between their clients and Morris.<\/p>\n

Defense Arguments<\/h3>\n

Deion Benjamin, Kelly\u2019s attorney, said prosecutors had proved only that his client helped destroy the getaway car, which would mean he was only an accessory. \u201cHe\u2019s called to burn up the car, if you believe the evidence,\u201d he told Superior Court Judge David Herriford. Clark\u2019s attorney said it was only a detective\u2019s \u201cspeculation\u201d that his client was the masked gunman. \u201cIt sounds like they have a theory,\u201d said Zino Osehobo, who represents Clark. \u201cWithout supporting, corroborative evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Judge’s Ruling<\/h2>\n

Herriford disagreed, ruling he\u2019d seen enough to allow the case to proceed. The killing occurred on Nov. 28, 2023, when a white Ford Escape stopped along the curb near Fixins Soul Kitchen, a restaurant at L.A. Live. The shooter was wearing a black tracksuit with white trim, a black balaclava, and a baseball cap with the words \u201cNo F\u2014 Given,\u201d security video footage showed.<\/p>\n

Investigation Details<\/h3>\n

Los Angeles Police Department detectives identified Clark as the alleged shooter. They testified that Kelly was a conspirator, pointing to videos he filmed on his phone while allegedly casing Morris\u2019 apartment complex. \u201cI think it\u2019d be better to get him on the other location, instead of this,\u201d Kelly said in a video filmed a month before Morris was killed. Police said other video footage showed Kelly giving the suspected shooter the \u201cNo F\u2014 Given\u201d baseball cap and holding a wide-brimmed straw hat, later worn by the getaway driver, who has still not been identified.<\/p>\n

Next Steps in the Trial<\/h2>\n

The detectives said cellphone records showed Clark and Kelly\u2019s devices traveling after the homicide to Palmdale, where the getaway car was set on fire and abandoned. Even after searching the suspects\u2019 phones, homes, and cars and listening to their jail calls, Det. Martin Mojarro said authorities do not know of a motive. \u201cNot yet. I\u2019m hoping,\u201d Mojarro said. Clark and Kelly, who have maintained their innocence, will be arraigned June 5.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The case against Santana Kelly and Phillip Clark will proceed to trial, with the motive behind the killing of Sidney Barrett Morris still unknown. As the trial approaches, more details may emerge that shed light on why this senseless act of violence occurred. The community remains concerned and awaits justice for the victim and his family.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n