The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on May 22 charged a 41-year-old man with special circumstance murder for allegedly killing a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus driver.
Deputy District Attorney Keri Modder of the Airport Branch Office said Anthony Craig Chambers is charged with one count of murder with the special circumstance allegations of lying in wait and murder of transportation personnel. The criminal complaint also includes a special allegation of personal use of a firearm.
Chambers could face the death penalty if convicted. If prosecutors decide not to seek the death penalty, Chambers faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Driver Alan Thomas was driving on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood when Chambers boarded the bus just after 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 20. Shortly after boarding, the defendant allegedly drew a shotgun from a suitcase, approached the victim and shot him twice.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Chambers at the scene within minutes of the shooting. The defendant is being held without bail.
A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made by prosecutors at a later date.