Two men have been charged in connection with the cold-blooded murder of Sidney Barrett Morris, a man known for his commitment to fostering inclusivity and harmony, last year at a popular Los Angeles spot, L.A. Live, authorities announced yesterday. The suspects, identified as Phillip Pasco Clark and Santana Jermaine Kelly, could face life in prison if convicted, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
George Gascón, the L.A. County District Attorney, said, "The victim, Sidney Barrett Morris, had dedicated his life's work to fostering inclusivity and harmony within our society, making his untimely death all the more devastating." Gascón also expressed his condolences to the victim's family for the tragedy that unfolded at the Fixins Soul Kitchen, part of the L.A. Live entertainment complex. The suspects pleaded not guilty at an arraignment this past Tuesday and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 25, as per the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
The heinous incident occurred on November 28, 2023, when, according to law enforcement, Clark allegedly entered the restaurant at approximately 6:15 p.m. and shot Morris dead as he sat alone at the counter. Authorities allege that Kelly aided in the planning of the murder by providing resources and subsequently setting fire to the getaway car in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Choi told the media, "While it does not bring Mr. Morris back to his loved ones, I am proud of the hard work and diligence of our Robbery Homicide Division to bring the murderers to justice." Both men are being held on million-dollar bails, with Clark's set at $4.06 million and Kelly's at $3.06 million respectively, as reported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the LADA’s Major Crimes Division are jointly investigating the case. With the legal process underway, the DA's office vows to seek justice for Morris, whose life was heartlessly cut short. Clark is facing a maximum sentence of up to 85 years to life, and Kelly could be looking at up to 100 years to life in prison if convicted on all counts.
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