On the evening of Friday, February 13, 2026, a scene of violence unfolded in the north parking lot of the Westfield Culver City Mall, leaving 25-year-old Angel Torres dead. The incident, which occurred around 7:25 p.m. near the Macy's store, was initially reported as a shooting. Responding officers from the Culver City Police Department discovered Torres suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators have since determined that the shooting was the result of a robbery that escalated. According to police, Torres, a resident of Los Angeles, was a suspect in this robbery. He allegedly confronted several people in the parking lot while armed, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Two firearms were recovered at the scene.
In the course of their investigation, police arrested two individuals in connection with the fatal incident. Kejuan Griggs, 27, of Los Angeles, was identified as a second robbery suspect. He was located at a local hospital where he was being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound sustained during the altercation. Griggs was arrested and is facing charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery. He is being held on $4.25 million bail.
A second individual, 28-year-old Kelsi Ann Taplette of Los Angeles, was also arrested. She has been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and accessory after the fact. Her bail has been set at $50,000. Authorities believe there may be additional victims of the robbery who have not yet come forward and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Culver City Police Department. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
