DA Gascón Announces Charges Against Two Men in the Murder of Music Manager Robert Dehnoushi in Glendale.
September 5, 2024 – GLENDALE, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Wednesday that Jerry Tolentino and Aram Martinyan were charged with the murder of Robert Dehnoushi, a 54-year-old music promoter and businessman, who was shot in a strip mall parking lot on August 15 in the city of Glendale. Mr. Dehnoushi was well-regarded in the Iranian American community as the promoter for singer Googoosh, a prolific artist.
“Our community is mourning the loss of Mr. Robert Dehnoushi, a father of two who was senselessly shot and killed in an act of unimaginable violence targeting someone who brought joy to his community,” said District Attorney Gascón. “Our hearts go out to the family, loved ones of the victim, and the music community, who are enduring a pain that no one should ever have to experience. We will pursue justice for the victim and hold those responsible for his death accountable for their heinous actions.”
Jerry Tolentino (44) and Arman Martinyan (43) are charged in case 24CJCF05433 with one count of murder. Tolentino also is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. His prior felony was a 2007 conviction for carjacking in San Bernardino County.
The charges also include the allegations that Tolentino personally used a handgun in the commission of the crime and that both Tolentino and Martinyan murdered Mr. Dehnoushi by means of lying-in-wait.
Tolentino and Martinyan are scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 20 in Dept. 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
On August 15, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Dehnoushi was followed by Martinyan and Tolentino to a restaurant in the city of Glendale where Tolentino allegedly shot and killed Dehnoushi outside of his vehicle.
The People are recommending both defendants be held without bail.
If convicted as charged, Tolentino faces a maximum sentence of life without parole +15 years in prison, and Martinyan a maximum sentence of life without parole.
The case is being prosecuted by LADA’s Organized Crime Division and investigated by the Glendale Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division.
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney