A horrific incident occurred in a peaceful Los Angeles neighborhood called North Hills on December 27, 2025. A house at 9636 Noble Avenue, just north of Plummer Street, was the scene of gunfire at precisely 1:42 p.m.
The victim, a well-known civil rights lawyer and community leader named Krikor Kouyoumdjian, 33, was discovered dead at the site after suffering numerous gunshot wounds. The local community was stunned by this incident since Krikor was well-known for his commitment to assisting others, including taking care of his aging father who shared a home.
The shooting stemmed from a heated argument between Krikor and his 30-year-old younger brother, Alexander Kouyoumdjian, also known as Alex. Sources indicate that tensions had been building for some time, primarily over living arrangements in the family’s $1.3 million home.
Krikor, who owned the property, had initiated legal steps to evict Alex, fueled by ongoing disputes and a longstanding vendetta held by the younger brother. This friction escalated dramatically during the holiday weekend, shortly after Krikor returned from a Christmas vacation with his fiancée.
Eyewitness accounts, including from Krikor’s fiancée who was present, describe a rapid escalation from verbal altercation to violence. The argument reportedly intensified in the living room area, where Alex allegedly retrieved a firearm and fired multiple shots at his brother.
Krikor collapsed immediately, and despite the quick arrival of emergency services, he was pronounced dead on site due to the severity of his injuries. The home, shared by Krikor, his fiancée, and their father, became a scene of chaos, with the fiancée left deeply traumatized by the ordeal she witnessed firsthand.
Los Angeles Police Department officers were alerted to the gunfire around 1:45 p.m. and arrived swiftly at the residence. Upon entering, they discovered Krikor’s body and detained Alex at the scene without further incident. No other individuals were harmed, though the emotional toll on the family was immediate and profound. Investigators quickly pieced together the sequence of events through statements and physical evidence, confirming the fraternal relationship and the domestic nature of the dispute.
Alex was formally charged with murder on December 30, 2025, three days after the shooting. During his arraignment at the San Fernando Courthouse, he entered a not guilty plea. A Los Angeles County judge set bail at $3 million, reflecting the gravity of the charges. Alex remains in custody as the case progresses, with a next court date scheduled for February. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, but preliminary findings point to no involvement of external parties.
The loss of Krikor has reverberated through his professional and personal circles. As a civil rights lawyer, he was admired for advocating for underserved communities, and his untimely death has left a void. His fiancée, with whom he planned to marry on April 18, 2026, faces ongoing grief, compounded by the family dynamics shattered by the event. Community tributes highlight Krikor’s generosity, while discussions around gun violence and family conflicts have gained renewed attention in light of this tragedy.