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Russian-born teen arrested in Cosby killing
March 13, 1997
Web posted at: 10:02 p.m. EST (0302 GMT)
LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Police Thursday charged a Russian-born 18-year-old in connection with the killing of Ennis Cosby, son of actor Bill Cosby.
Police Chief Willie Williams held a news conference to announce that Mikail Markhasez faces arraignment Friday on a single count of murder. Police said the crime was a random killing that started as a robbery.
Williams said police have also recovered the gun used in the attack, as well as a watch cap worn by Ennis Cosby's assailant.
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Markhasez has lived in the United States for the past eight years, Williams said. There were no indications that he was part of any crime ring, Williams said, although "there was a criminal history there."
The Cosby family released a statement upon learning of the arrest, thanking the Los Angeles Police Department. Cosby spokesman James Anderson said, "they hope that the public will allow them the chance to have privacy during this time."
Ennis Cosby, 27, was shot to death January 16 while changing a flat tire on his Mercedes, which was parked on a freeway frontage road near Mulholland Drive and the exclusive Bel Air community.
The killing captured national attention, but lacked a solid breakthrough before Markhasez's arrest on Wednesday night.
The Los Angeles police have received hundreds of tips, but the one that led to Markhasez's arrest came from The National Enquirer, which had posted a $100,000 reward for information about the case, Williams said.
Two other individuals who were questioned by police have been released from custody and will not be charged. While Williams said the police are certain they arrested Ennis Cosby's killer, the investigation will continue as the LAPD tries to find out if anyone else was involved in the murder.
Correspondent Anne McDermott contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Cosby's wife says she knew about actor's infidelity - January 28, 1997
- Cosby admits 'rendezvous'; denies fathering alleged extortionist - January 27, 1997
- Reward in Cosby slaying increases - January 23, 1997
- Man in sketch no help to Cosby investigation - January 22, 1997
- Police jail two after attempt to extort grieving Cosbys - January 21, 1997
- Police jail two after attempt to extort grieving Cosbys - January 20, 1997
- Police flooded with leads on Cosby case - January 19, 1997
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