UPDATE: Billy Young was assigned a public defender and was moved to the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic awaiting his next court date scheduled for March 9th, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. at LAX Municipal Court 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd in Los Angeles.

Billy Young, the 23 yr old charged with the stabbing murder of Kevin Hirtle goes to court today for his first appearance regarding the crime on the Venice Boardwalk. Last Thursday night at approximately 6 p.m. Billy and Kevin who had traveled together as friends and lived on the boardwalk for months got into an argument and according to witnesses at the scene, after being provoked throughout the day by Kevin, Billy stabbed Kevin multiple times in the abdomen.

Billy was released in early 2010 after spending five years in prison for armed robbery in Utah. During that home invasion robbery Billy reportedly shot the homeowners dog in the face. While in prison for that crime he allegedly had a record for stabbing other inmates. He came to California after his release from prison and spent a short time in the Long Beach area before coming to live on the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Billy and Kevin met on the Boardwalk and according to reports Kevin, an alleged white supremacist, was known for alcoholic rages and for provoking fights. Although the two shared interests and were friends, and argument that began earlier in the day over Billy spending time and money to care for his pit bull, and getting it licensed after getting a ticket escalated into a heated debate and resulted in the stabbing.

We will provide more information on this story when it is available.

Billy’s 11 month old pit bull Sugar is in the care of the Los Angeles Animal Services Dept on Pico. Efforts are being made to place Sugar who is a well mannered and sweet dog in the care of a loving home.

Three large DWP trucks with bucket baskets are lined up at Speedway & 27th to replace an electrical transformer and to upgrade some wires. Our salt water environment does a fast number on the local wiring. The upgrades will be going on over the next two days. The trucks are very large, and with today’s sunny day expect traffic congestion along Speedway.

Tacos? Sushi? Grilled Cheese? Snore!

The coolest new truck to visit Abbot Kinney is The Flower Truck! This colorful eye-catcher offers flowers to go with a myriad of beautiful selections and fun configurations. The brainchild of Jennifer Kaplan, instead of clogging your arteries, brighten your day or that of someone you dig with a fresh boquet, or a simple single stem! Gorgeous! ( more info below )

About The Flower Truck

We are a mobile flower shop, we roll around town and sell flowers and “to go” vases for a spur of the moment gift or a pick me up for yourself.

We do events and parties, and are there when you need a quick birthday or hostess gift, “I’m sorry” present, ” I did this for no particular reason”, or just feel the need for some fresh cut flowers (always good, no?)
We can also do an elaborate custom arrangement for you or your business.

Prices range from $2 to $40, average for something cool is $12

Email: [email protected]

Jenifer Kaplan 310-245-5757

A 23 year old transient named Billy Young was charged with murder last night and is being held on $1,000,000 dollars bail. Billy and 38 yr old friend Kevin Hirtle were fellow transients living on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Kevin, a parolee for burglary had been out of jail for several months and was a regular at the benches on Westminster. Billy traveled with a skateboard, a red wagon and a pit bull. Witnesses at the scene stated that the two men had been arguing back and forth all day and that Billy had threatened Kevin. The two separated and Billy came back approximately an hour later and stabbed Kevin multiple times in the abdomen. Paramedics tried to revive Kevin at the scene. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Marina Del Rey Hospital. Billy was apprehended a few blocks away at Main and Thornton, shown in the photo above, with his dog, skateboard and cart. He had a knife on his person and his hands and clothes were covered in blood. He was clearly agitated and remorseful at the time of his arrest, and pleaded with passers by to take care of his dog. A court date has not been set as of yet.

Violent confrontations are a regular occurrence among the transient population typically generating multiple calls per day to the LAPD Pacific Division. If you see a disturbance or suspicious activity call 1-877-ASK-LAPD.

UPDATE FROM LAPD:

Community Message has been issued by the LAPD Headquarters.

Friday February 25, 2011 2:42 PM PST

Suspect Arrested for 2/24/11 Murder at Venice Beach

Murder at Venice Beach, Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrested 23-year-old Billy Young after he
stabbed and murdered the victim.

On Thursday, February 24th, 2011 at approximately 6:05 p.m., a stabbing occurred in Pacific
Division. The stabbing took place on Ocean Front Walk at Westminster Boulevard on the Venice
Beach boardwalk.

The victim and Young became engaged in a fight. Young then stabbed the victim multiple times
with a knife. The victim was transported by paramedics to the hospital where he died from his
injuries.

Young attempted to run, but was caught several blocks away by diligent patrol officers who
listened to the crime broadcast. Young has been booked for murder.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Pacific Homicide Detectives at
310-482-6369. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by
texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should
begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on
“webtips” and follow the prompts.
For full details, go to https://local.nixle.com/alert/4659820/?sub_id=318148.