Amber Willard
GLENDALE -- More information about the beating deaths of two boys on a
school playground was revealed this week during a preliminary hearing for
the teen charged with the deaths.
Glendale Police have been tight-lipped about their investigation of
the deaths of Christopher McCulloch and Blaine Talmo Jr., whose bodies
were found July 23 at Valley View Elementary School, but courtroom
testimony has given light to what occurred in the days and hours before
their deaths.
An L.A. County coroner testified Tuesday in Glendale court that
Christopher, 13, who lived in La Canada Flintridge, received at least 10
blows to the head, as well as damage to his trachea, heart and liver. The
same coroner said Blaine, 14, who lived in Glendale, suffered at least
four blows to his head.
Michael Demirdjian, 15, who lives in La Crescenta, is the only person
charged with the boys' deaths, as well as two counts of robbery.
TIMELINE OF DEATHS
(The following information was taken from police reports, courtroom
testimony and court records.)
July 11
* Time unknown: Blaine Talmo Jr.'s stepmother later tells police
Blaine came home this day with a black eye and told her he had to
intervene for Christopher McCulloch in a fight with unidentified people.
(From police testimony)
July 19
* 7 p.m.: A man in Blaine's neighborhood says he sees Blaine arguing
with a boy, later identified as Michael Demirdjian, who threatened
Blaine. Christopher McCulloch watched the fight, the neighbor told
police. (From police testimony)
July 21
* 1:30 p.m.: Blaine argues with his father about friends and leaves
the family's Glendale home with $200, given to him by his father, and a
$50 gift certificate to Miller's Outpost, given to him by his
grandmother. (From police testimony)
July 22
* 12:30 a.m.: The boys, along with another friend, are picked up by
the friend's mother at New York Park in La Crescenta and spend the next
few hours at that home. (From police testimony)
* 9 a.m.: The boys leave the friend's home. (From police testimony)
* 3 p.m.: The boys are seen in Miller's Outpost in La Crescenta buying
clothing. (From police testimony)
* 8:31 p.m.: Blaine calls his stepmother, using Demirdjian's cellular
telephone, but refuses to come home or to tell her who he's with. They
speak for five minutes. (From police testimony)
* 10:31 p.m.: Blaine again calls his stepmother and refuses to come
home or tell her who he's with. They speak for one minute. (From police
testimony)
July 23
