Michigan man convicted of first-degree murder in fatal stabbing in Santa Monica parking lot

Forensic specialists collected hundreds of DNA samples and fingerprints from the crime scene

A Michigan man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred in a Santa Monica Beach parking lot in November 2022, SMPD announced.

Mohamed Abou-Arabi, 24, was found guilty of killing a Dearborn, Michigan, resident whose body was discovered in his car in Lot 1 North, north of the Santa Monica Pier.

On November 2, 2022, Santa Monica Police responded to a report of a man lying motionless in a vehicle who was discovered by a parking attendant. The initially unknown victim was found in the driver's seat with serious knife wounds.

Investigators later identified the victim as a Dearborn resident who had recently purchased the car in Southern California. Forensic specialists collected hundreds of DNA samples and fingerprints from the crime scene.

Authorities linked Abou-Arabi to the crime through evidence from the vehicle and other investigative tools.

With assistance from Dearborn police, Santa Monica investigators tracked Abou-Arabi's movements and arrested him in Michigan in January 2023. He was extradited to Los Angeles, where he remains in custody.

Last month, Abou-Arabi was found guilty of first-degree murder, with a penalty for using a knife in the fatal attack. He is scheduled to be sentenced in December.

Although there have been no arrests against Abou-Arabi in California, there are two felony weapons charges in Michigan. According to SMPD, he refused to provide a motive for the killing during the investigation and trial.