The following is an update on Seal Beach felony cases as they work their way through the courts. The cases are listed by the date of the next scheduled court appearance.
Leisure World rape
On July 6 or July 7, 2010, a 46-year-old woman took a cab from Sunset Beach to an apartment in Seal Beach’s Leisure World. According to the Seal Beach Police Department, she awoke the next morning with no recollection of the previous night. On Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010, Seal Beach officers arrested Orange County cab driver Orlando Bruce Bosley, 57. Bosley has been charged with one count of rape by duress or menace, one count of rape by use of drugs and one count of rape of an unconscious person. He is currently out on bail.
The latest: The trial is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Salon Meritage case
Scott Evans Dekraai has been charged with eight counts of killing and one count of attempted killing in the Oct. 12, 2011 Seal Beach shootings at the Salon Meritage beauty shop. He was reportedly involved in a bitter custody dispute over his 8-year-old son with his ex-wife, who was one of the victims. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty. Dekraai has entered a plea of not guilty. So far, he has not entered an insanity defense. Dekraai is being represented by the Public Defender’s Office. He is in custody in the Orange County Jail.
The latest: The trial is scheduled to start on Monday, March 24.
Nursing home killing
Roy Charles Laird, of Seal Beach, has been charged with one count of murder and with one enhancement of personally discharging a firearm, resulting in the 2010 death of his then 86-year-old wife. Laird was 88 at the time of his arrest. The “enhancement” means Laird could be sentenced to 50 years to life, meaning Laird would have to wait 50 years to be eligible for parole. The shooting occurred on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010 in the victim’s apartment in the Country Villa Healthcare Center just outside of Leisure World. The DA’s Office said the victim was in late-stage dementia. According to press reports, Laird was released and placed in a nursing home. No bail has been posted.
The latest: A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for June 13.
Crime Log Compiled by Charles M. Kelly
IN SEAL?BEACH
Tuesday, January 28
Animal Information—7:08 a.m.—Neptune Avenue—The caller reported three dogs off the leash with the owner nearby. The caller said this was an on-going problem at that time of the morning. Referred to Long Beach Animal Care Services.
Disturbance, Vehicles—12:13 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller said that the drivers of two cars were just sitting in their vehicles, honking their horns for no reason.
Wednesday, January 29
Baby Locked in Vehicle—4:16 p.m.—Anchor Way—The caller said a 5-month-old baby was locked in a vehicle. The engine was not running. The baby had been in the car for 5 minutes. At 4:30 p.m., the window was broken. The baby was OK.
Petty Theft—4:44 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—Bikes valued at $600 were taken from the caller’s garage a month ago. The caller had no further information. No report. Log entry.
Thursday, January 30
Property Destruction—10:37 a.m.—Catalina Avenue—The caller was in charge of cleaning out the home of a woman who had died. The caller found five boxes of old ammunition in the garage. Police took the ammo to the armory for destruction. Log entry.
Friday, January 31
Identity Theft—1:06 p.m.—Old Ranch Road—Someone used the caller’s Social Security Number for reasons unknown. Report.
Saturday, February 1
Coyote—12:19 a.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said the coyote was in a parking lot. The coyote ran behind the north side of a building. Referred to Long Beach Animal Care Services.
At a November 2013 coyote awareness meeting, a panel of experts recommended “hazing” or harassing coyotes to drive them out of neighborhoods. To see a video on “How to Haze a Coyote,” visit www.sunnews.org, go to the video section of the home page and click on the “About Seal Beach Tab.”
Dead Animal—3:18 a.m.—Westminster Avenue and Island Village—The caller reported a large, dead coyote on the eastbound side of Westminster, west of Island Village. Referred to Long Beach Animal Care Services.
Found Property—4:52 p.m.—Westminster Avenue—The caller found a package in front of the location that someone had left behind. Police disposed of trash. No further police services were necessary.
Sunday, February 2
Petty Theft Report—11:17 a.m.—Pacific Coast Highway—The theft apparently occurred at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1. Loss: wallet, California driver’s license, credit and debit cards. Suspect: unknown. Report taken.
IN LOS?ALAMITOS
Thursday, January 16
Patrol Check—12:46 p.m. —Farquhar Avenue—The caller reported an individual in the alley who appeared to be a junk collector, but trash was picked up yesterday and the caller saw the individual on foot in the area a couple of days ago. The caller was concerned because his lock was cut off his garage last week.
Friday, January 17
Disturbance, Music—7:15 a.m.—Walnut Street—The caller reported hearing Mariachi music playing for the last 15 minutes.
The individual who was playing the music called police prior to the disturbance call and advised it was his 55th wedding anniversary and that they would be playing live Mariachi music. Patrol advised the partier and the band was brought inside the husband’s residence.
Saturday, January 18
Battery—9:45 p.m. —Katella Avenue—The caller reported he was attacked by men and kicked out. The suspects were inside. The caller stood by at the gas station.
The caller said he was attacked by security at the bar because he pushed the owner. The incident was verbal due to reserved seating, and the caller didn’t sustain any visible injuries except for a scrape on his hand.
Monday, January 20
Agency Assist—2:06 p.m.—Farquhar Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard—The caller reported that the Orange County Fire Authority was with an elderly male who fell and had no identification.
The fire department wasn’t going to transport him, but requested an officer because the man appeared to be confused.
Patrol contacted a family member who was in route to pick the man up.
IN ROSSMOOR
Thursday, January 30
Burglary Report—7:23 a.m.—Hillrose Drive.
Firework Violation—2:16 p.m.—Chianti Drive—The caller reported individuals setting of M80s and firecrackers. The caller said it was an on-going issue.
Suspicious Person or Circumstances—2:46 p.m.—Chianti Drive and St. Albans Drive—The caller said she heard five or six loud explosive noises and a few minutes later heard a few more.
The caller did not know if the sounds had been caused by fireworks.
Ted Apodaca of the News-Enterprise contributed to this article.
