Prosecutor George Gascón announces charges in violent assaults against two women and a teenager

Jawann Garnett charged with attempted murder, assault on Santa Monica Beach

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Jawann Garnett has been charged with attempting to kill and assault a 17-year-old girl and a 72-year-old woman and assaulting a 25-year-old woman on Santa Monica Beach on June 24.

“These victims have endured incredible pain and suffering, and our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time,” said District Attorney Gascón. “Our Office of Victim Services is committed to providing them with the support and resources necessary to help them overcome this trauma. The terror of these crimes is shocking and disturbing. We will work diligently to hold this offender accountable and to obtain justice for the victims.”

On June 26, 2024, the District Attorney filed the following charges against Garnett:

Victim 1 (minor):

• Attempted Murder (664/187(a) CP)
• Child Abuse (273(a) PC)

Victim 2 (spectator):

• Assault with a deadly weapon likely to cause serious bodily injury (245(a)(4) PC)
• Assault with intent to commit rape (220(a)(1) PC)

Victim 3 (eldest):

• Attempted Murder (664/187(a) CP)
• Kidnapping (Article 207(a) of the Penal Code)

Garnett, who is currently homeless, has a serious criminal history in Los Angeles County, including prior arrests for assault with intent to commit rape, unlawful confinement, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated and misdemeanor domestic violence, theft, trespassing and failure to register as a sex offender.

In December 2021, Garnett was arrested by the LAPD's Topanga Division for attempted forcible oral copulation and was later charged and convicted of assault with intent to commit sexual assault. He was placed on probation.

Garnett is currently on formal probation for his previous conviction and has been arrested multiple times for violating the terms of his probation. He was released on his own recognizance for violating his probation on June 6, 2024, and was scheduled to appear in court on August 5, 2024.

On June 9, 2024, Garnett was arrested by the Santa Monica Police Department for failing to register as a sex offender. While in custody, he was registered as a sex offender in Santa Monica and released with a summons to appear in court. This was the only prior encounter the SMPD had with Garnett prior to the beach attack.

Garnett was ordered held on $2,230,000 bail. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The case is under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this incident or Garnett is encouraged to contact Detective Lucero at [email protected], Detective Sergeant Goodwin at [email protected] or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427, available 24 hours a day.