On April 25, 1997, 29-year-old Michael Trinidad, a deliveryman for Office Depot, was fatally shot during a violent incident at a computer training business named Answers, located at 856 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, California. The assailant, 47-year-old David Arisman, had entered the establishment under the pretense of inquiring about real estate listings. He then produced a firearm, forced a 26-year-old female employee into a back room, restrained her, and sexually assaulted her.
During this assault, Michael Trinidad and his colleague, Richard Moriel, arrived to deliver furniture. Arisman confronted them, binding both men and attempting to choke them into unconsciousness. Trinidad was shot in the heart, resulting in his death, while Moriel survived the attack. The female victim managed to free herself, engaged in a struggle with Arisman, and escaped to alert a nearby parking officer. Arisman fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Following his arrest, Arisman was charged and subsequently convicted of murder and rape. During the trial, he exhibited hostility towards the jurors, expressing regret that he hadn't caused more harm. On January 15, 1999, he was sentenced to death. However, before the execution could be carried out, Arisman died in prison hospice care on September 5, 2009, at the age of 61.
