Pair Charged with Murder in Trousdale Case

Pair Charged with
Murder in Trousdale Case

July 22, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
Shiara Dávila, Assistant PIO
(213) 974-3525

BEVERLY HILLS – A man and woman were charged today with the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old man found outside the Beverly Hills home where he lived.

Scott Joseph Barker, 23 (dob 4-19-87), and Chie Alexandra Coggins Johnson, 20 (dob 1-6-90), were charged with one count of premeditated murder in case SA 074933, said Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers. The complaint also alleges that Barker personally used a deadly weapon, a knife.

They are scheduled to be arraigned sometime this afternoon at Beverly Hills Court, Department 1.

They are charged with fatally stabbing Katsutoshi Tony Takazato, the son of filmmaker Fuminori Hayashida. Takazato was found dead outside his home in 1800 block of Carla Ridge in Trousdale Estates around 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Coggins Johnson allegedly had dated Takazato until recently when she began dating Barker. Meyers said Barker allegedly became enraged when he learned Johnson may have been physically abused by Takazato.

Takazato’s father produced several late 1990s films, including ``Lured Innocence'' and ``No Strings Attached,'' according to news reports.

Meyers said police released a third suspect after an investigation concluded he was not involved.

They are being held on $1 million bail each. If convicted, each faces up to life in prison.

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