Robbery suspects linked to MTV music coordinator Gabriel Ben-Meir death

(CBS/KCBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Two men accused in a string of armed robberies are also suspected in the murder of MTV music coordinator Gabriel Aron Ben-Meir, who was found dead on a Wilshire-area sidewalk Sunday morning with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

Jabaar Thomas, 26, and Destiny Young, 29, were arrested on suspicion of committing as many as nine robberies in the Mid-City area are also suspected of gunning down Ben-Meir, Det. Gus Villanueva said Thursday.

The 30-year-old victim was discovered face-down in a pool of blood, police told CBS station KCBS.

Residents told police they heard what may have been gunshots at around 1 a.m. Sunday. Police Sgt. Renee McAlonis told the station that Ben-Meir may have been accosted while walking from his car to his house.

A third person believed to have been involved in the robberies since late last month, 33-year-old Richard Edward Anderson, is also being held on suspicion of robbery.

Thomas and Young are suspects in another deadly robbery on April 30, Villanueva said.

The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that the robberies involved the use of a shotgun, the same type of weapon believed to have been used in the killing of Ben-Meir.

MTV issued a statement expressing shock and sadness at his death calling him "a valued member of the MTV family and a beloved and dedicated colleague and friend."

Anyone with information about the slaying is urged to call the LAPD's Wilshire Division at 213-473-0475.