Suspect in Samohi Student's Slaying Dies

By Teresa Rochester

Nov. 19 -- A 17-year-old Los Angeles girl arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a Santa Monica High School sophomore died Sunday evening after collapsing during an interview with police.

The teenager, identified as Katrina Sarkissian by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office, as well as a 15-year-old girl, were arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of Deanna Maran, 15, and were taken into custody by Los Angeles Police Department detectives on Sunday at around 2 p.m.

Maran, an honor student and athlete, was stabbed at a party at a home in Westwood the night before and died shortly after at Santa Monica Hospital.

During her interview, the 17-year-old suspect lost consciousness, LAPD Officer Jack Richter said. Police summoned an ambulance, which transported Sarkissian to UCLA Westwood Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.

Scott Carrier, a spokesman for the coroner's office, said the cause of death had not yet been determined.

Sources told The Lookout that Maran got into a fight with the younger suspect at around 10:30 p.m. over the suspect's behavior at the party. Friends intervened and broke up the argument.

A short time later, sources said, Maran and Sarkissian -- who was not a Samohi student -- got into a fight. Maran was stabbed with a broken bottle. One of Maran's friends said no one realized she had been stabbed until she collapsed in the arms of another friend.

Maran's friends drove her to the hospital, where she arrived in full cardiac arrest. Maran died at 12:15 a.m.

On Monday as word spread throughout Santa Monica, more than 20 grief counselors were on hand to help students deal with the double tragedy. School officials will hold a meeting for parents at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Santa Monica High School cafeteria.