Murder Charge Filed Against Lakewood Man, 44, Accused Of Murdering Older Brother
NORWALK (CBSLA.com) — Authorities on Thursday formally charged a 44-year-old Lakewood man with the fatal shooting of his older brother.
Brandon Van Heyningen is scheduled to be arraigned April 15 in a Norwalk courtroom in connection with the death of 47-year-old Richard Van Heyningen, in Lakewood on Tuesday morning, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
The murder count includes a sentence-enhancing allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, which caused great bodily injury and death.
The D.A. alleges the defendant got out of a vehicle and shot his brother, who was on a bicycle, following an argument.
Sheriff's homicide detectives were dispatched to Hardwick Street and Woodruff Avenue about 9:40 a.m. and found the victim lying in the street with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His brother, who was arrested about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, faces up to 50 years to life in state prison if convicted, according to the D.A.
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)