By Jorge Casuso

June 6, 2025 -- A man arrested for homicide during a botched robbery on the Promenade last month is being held in County jail awaiting a July court date after being charged on two lesser felony counts.

Karen Melikyan, a 41-year-old male resident of the Hollywood area, was charged by the LA County District Attorney with attempted second degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime and, if convicted, faces time in State prison.

The attempted robbery on May 18 at the Sole and Laces shoe store at 1331 Third Street Promenade resulted in his accomplice being fatally shot by the store owner ("Promenade Store Owner Fatally Shoots Attacker," May 19, 2025).

The DA's felony complaint filed in Superior Court on May 21 alleges that the two offenses "involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, and callousness."

It also alleges that the manner in which the defendant carried out the offenses indicates "planning, sophistication, and professionalism" and that Melikyan's "violent conduct" indicates he is a "serious danger to society."

According to the DA's complaint, Melikyan agreed to meet store owner Brendon Lee at his store to sell him 300 pairs of shoes for $60,000 cash. Police said the meeting took place at around 9:30 p.m. after the store had closed.

Melikyan drove to the store, knocked on the door, and was allowed in by Lee. Once inside, Melikyan used his cell phone to call his cousin, identified in the complaint as Barsegyan, and told him "to come to the store."

When Barsegyan, who was wearing a ski mask, knocked on the rear door, Melikyan walked to the door and opened it, letting his accomplice in.

Lee tried to close the door but Barsegyan pointed his pepper spray into the door and sprayed, "hitting Victim Lee and Defendant Melikyan."

Barsegyan charged into the store at Lee, who took out his gun and shot him twice. Melikyan yelled "No" at Lee and and said, "Don't kill him."

As Barsegyan crawled "out of the door and into the alley," Melikyan opened the door and tried to "follow him out.

When asked by Lee if Barsegyan was his cousin, Melikyan replied, "No."

According to police, Barsegyan was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Melikyan, was detained at the scene and later arrested in connection with the attempted robbery, according to police.

Melikyan is being held on no bail at the LA County Men's Central Jail, according to the LA County Sheriff's inmate listings. He is scheduled to appear in LAX Superior Court on July 25.