Teen Fatally Stabbed at Party
It is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I have just dropped my son off at Santa Monica High following our usual exchanges of, “Bye, I love you.” “Bye, I love you, too.” There is a chill in the air, and as I stop at an intersection on Pico, I glance to my left and see the set-up of what will be a Christmas tree lot. And as I think of Thanksgiving and the prospect of Christmas trees, my eyes well with tears.
Saturday night (Nov. 17) a young girl named Deanna Maran was murdered in Westwood. I am thinking of her last words you reported, “Please just listen to my side of the story!” (Nov. 21). And I am thinking of her family and how even when incomprehensible things happen, the world goes on. Christmas tree lots go up--another day begins. I did not know Deanna or her family, but I feel changed by what happened and somehow connected to the Marans because this senseless and horrific death could have been inflicted upon any of our children. I am so sorry for the death of their daughter. By every account, Deanna was a pretty wonderful young woman. I cannot know their pain and their loss but am profoundly touched by it.
Elizabeth Strand
Santa Monica
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A simple fact may have prevented the tragic death of Santa Monica High School student Deanna Maran: Teenagers should not have unsupervised parties.
Stephen C. Ross
Santa Monica
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