Veronica Lew Murder Case Summary

INTRODUCTION:

This case involves suspect Stephen Kelsey being arrested for punching his girlfriend, victim Wanda Lew approximately 3-5 times with his left fist, making contact with the top portion of Lew’s head.

LOCATION DESCRIPTION:

The location where the incident occurred was inside of Kelsey’s apartment located at 235 E. Holly St. #332, Pasadena Ca 91101. The apartment is a small sized room, approximately 20 long by 15 feet wide. There is a bed located in the southwest corner of the room and the sofa is along the east side of the room, approximately 5 feet away from the bed.

EVIDENCE:

Officer Krikorian #5033 responded to the scene and took a series of digital photographs of Lew’s body. Officer Krikorian uploaded the photographs into

VeriPic as evidence. I took a series of digital photographs of Kelsey and uploaded them into VeriPic as evidence.

INJURIES:

Lew did not have any visible injuries, but she complained of pain to her head. I asked Lew I she required medical attention and she said, “No.”

Kelsey did not have any injuries.

INVESTIGATION:
On Saturday, September 16, 2017, I was on patrol, in full uniform, in a marked black and white Pasadena Police vehicle, Unit #15.

At approximately 0720 hours, I responded to 235 E. Holly St. #312, in regards to an alleged elder abuse case. Upon my arrival, I attempted to contact victim Lew inside of her apartment and there was no answer. I went to her boyfriend suspect Kelsey’s apartment and made contact with Lew there. Lew told me the following in summary. Refer to my body worn camera for further details on Lew’s statement.

VICTIM WANDA LEW’S STATEMENT:

Lew told me that her and suspect Kelsey have been in dating relationship for the past 4 years. Lew told me today (09/16/17) at approximately 0700 hours, her and Kelsey were inside of Kelsey’s apartment located at 235 E. Holly St. #332. Lew was sitting on the bed and Kelsey was sitting on the sofa. Lew began to cry and told me they were in a verbal argument over money and moving in together. Lew attempted to leave the apartment, when Kelsey punched her approximately 3-5 times with his left fist, making contact with the top left portion of her head. Lew told me she was able to get away from Kelsey, went to the first floor lobby of the apartment complex, and dialed 911. I asked Lew if she required any medical attention and she said, “No.” I did not see visible injuries to Lew, but she said she could feel bumps on her head caused by the assault. Lew complained of pain to the top left portion of her

head.
Lew told me last month, Officers responded to her apartment in regards to Domestic Battery case.

Lew told me Kelsey punched, strangled her, and was arrested. Refer to Officer Sprague’s #8091 original report for further details on the incident.

Officer Krikorian #5033 responded to the scene and took a series of digital photographs of Lew’s body. Officer Krikorian uploaded the photographs into VeriPic as evidence.

I asked Lew if she wanted an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) taken out against Kelsey and she said, “No.” I gave Lew my business card with case #17012797 and a Domestic Violence Resource Form. Lew told me she did not want the form and she is going to throw it away. Lew had nothing further to add.

I interviewed suspect Kelsey and he told me the following in summary. Refer to my body worn camera for further details on Kelsey’s statement.

SUSPECT STEPHEN KELSEY’S

STATEMENT:
Kelsey told me he and Lew are girlfriend and boyfriend and have been dating for the past 4 years. Kelsey told me today, (09/16/17) at approximately 0700 hours, he and Lew were inside of his apartment located at 235 E. Holly St. #332, when Lew tried to confront him about moving in together and about money. Kelsey was sitting on the sofa and Lew was sitting on the bed. Kelsey told Lew, “I don’t want to talk about this. Leave!” Lew continued on talking about the issue. Kelsey stood up from the sofa and approached Lew. Kelsey told Lew, “Leave!” Lew did not listen. Kelsey took his fist (he does not recall which hand) and began to gently knock on Lew’s head. Lew became upset and said, “I’m going to call the cops.”
I asked Kelsey if he was arrested before for domestic violence and he said, “Yes.” I asked Kelsey who was the victim in the case and he said, “Lew.” I asked Kelsey if he had any injuries and if he required medical attention and he said, “No.” I took a series of digital photographs of Kelsey and uploaded them into VeriPic as evidence. Kelsey had nothing further to add.
Sgt. Vandergrift #8975 approved of Kelsey’s arrest for PC 243(e)(1) – Domestic Battery. I transported Kelsey to the Pasadena City Jail, where he was booked for the listed charge. A records check revealed that Kelsey has outstanding warrants out of Santa Monica and Los Angeles. See attached copy of warrant abstracts.
DISPOSITION:
Case to Detectives.