Suspect in Shotgun Killing of Aspiring Hollywood Talent Charged With Murder

Ezeoma Chigozie Obioha is accused of fatally shooting Carrie Jean Melvin on July 5

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A man suspected of fatally shooting a woman on the sidewalk in Hollywood earlier this month has been charged with capital murder, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday.

Ezeoma Chigozie Obioha, 31, is accused of fatally shooting Carrie Jean Melvin (pictured) near Sunset Blvd. and McCadden Place at approximately 10 p.m. on July 5. Prosecutors are asking that he be held without bail.

The murder charge carries special circumstances of lying in wait and murder for financial gain, which make Obioha eligible for the death penalty.

According to prosecutors, the shooting was the result of a business dispute. The Los Angeles Times reports that Melvin, who aspired to a career in entertainment, had recently launched a social media company which was retained by Obioha to market his business. However, a clash erupted when former security guard Obioha bounced a check to Melvin and she threatened to take him to court.

Prosecutors will decide later whether to seek death or life in prison without the possibility of parole if he is convicted. The case remains under investigation by the LAPD.

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