A homeless woman wanted on suspicion of armed robbery is accused of fatally shooting a Hollywood music producer as he sat in his car, police said.
Kayla Delise McKee, 27, was charged with murder Tuesday, five days after William James Edwards III was found in “serious condition” while parked on a Santa Monica street.
The 46-year-old producer, who worked with rappers Travis Scott and Lil Cobain, died shortly after being rushed to a nearby hospital. Santa Monica Police Department said.
McKee, who police described as “currently homeless,” was picked up the next day in West Los Angeles.
Her motive for allegedly pulling the trigger on Edwards is not yet clear.
“The senseless murder that occurred on 29th Street last week shocked us all,” Santa Monica Mayor Phil Bullock said in a statement.
“Nothing can take away the pain this incident has caused Mr. Edwards’ loved ones and our entire community.”
Edwards worked as a producer in Los Angeles and collaborated with rappers such as Travis Scott and Lil Cobain. He is also credited as a producer for the 2018 film Haunting on Fraternity Row and two of his short films.
Lil Cobain (real name Cayman Harrison Klein) mourned Edwards’ death in an Instagram post, calling the producer “family.”
“There are so many important memories we have shared. There are so many laughs, so many tears, so many fights, so many breakthroughs, and so many iconic stories that you have told me that people can’t even imagine.” the rapper wrote Twelve photos taken during their nine-year friendship will be exhibited at the merry-go-round.
Edwards leaves behind two young sons and a wife, according to the GoFundMe, which described Edwards as “an extremely talented person in everything he did.”
Police said witness statements were critical in tracking down McKee, who is also wanted in Los Angeles on charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office could not immediately elaborate on Mackey’s previous criminal charges.
She was charged Tuesday with Edwards’ murder, armed robbery and attempted murder.
Records show McKee is being held at Century Regional Detention Center on $2 million bail.
The Hollywood murder comes just weeks after another homeless woman was charged with fatally shooting social justice advocate Michael Rutt.
Police said the suspect, Jameela Elena Michel, is suspected of breaking into Latto’s home because she was friends with a film director who Latto was stalking.
