Fourth Person Charged in Connection with Fatal Robbery at Downey Home
Washington, D.C. – February 3, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — A fourth man was charged today in connection with the robbery and killing of a Downey homeowner, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Michael Anthony Harrod (dob 5/6/91) of Anaheim has been charged with three felony counts in case VA141129: murder, home invasion robbery and first-degree burglary, person present.
The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned today in Department 7 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Downey Branch. Prosecutors will ask that bail be set at $1 million.
On Jan. 20, defendants Paul Darvis Misikei, Henry Willie Sao and Sakaopo Atanasio Folau also were charged in connection with the fatal robbery in case VA141024. They were each charged with capital murder, home invasion robbery and first-degree burglary, person present.
Deputy District Attorney Efrain Matthew Aceves is prosecuting the case.
The prosecutor said Harrod allegedly planned the robbery with the three defendants and drove them to the Downey neighborhood on Jan. 17.
Once they were dropped off, Misikei, Sao and Folau reportedly went to the Downey home of Jim Rudometkin, 59, the prosecutor said.
While at the residence, Misikei and Folau allegedly forced their way into Rudometkin’s home. Shortly thereafter, Sao also reportedly entered the home, the prosecutor said.
As this was occurring, a neighbor saw the attack and called police, according to the prosecutor.
When police arrived at the home, the defendants attempted to flee the scene, however, Misikei and Sao were soon located and arrested, the prosecutor said. Folau was apprehended two days later.
When police entered the victim’s home, they found Rudometkin bound and unresponsive. The victim was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene, the prosecutor said.
If convicted, Misikei and Sao could face the death penalty if prosecutors decide later to seek it. Folau, because of his age, faces up to life in state prison if convicted as charged.
Harrod faces up to 25 years to life in state prison if convicted.
The case is being investigated by the Downey Police Department.
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About the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey leads the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation. Her staff of nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 investigators and 800 support staff members is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of crime and enhancing public safety. Last year, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted more than 71,000 felony defendants and nearly 112,000 misdemeanor defendants.
Contact:
Sarah Ardalani, Public Information Officer
(213) 257-2000
SArdalani (at) da.lacounty (dot) gov
