Police: Man killed Calif. woman, shot her boyfriend while pretending to want to buy their car

Man charged in shootings of Calif. couple

WESTMINSTER, Calif. — A man has been charged with murder and attempted murder after police say he killed a Southern California woman and critically injured her boyfriend while pretending he wanted to buy their car.

Prosecutors say Pasqual Loera was charged Tuesday following his arrest Sunday outside Primm, Nev. He also waived extradition Tuesday in a Las Vegas court.

Police say Loera went to the Westminster, Calif., home of Julie Palasko and Dennis Koire on Sunday, pretending he wanted to buy a vehicle they were selling, an Infiniti sedan.

Prosecutors say Loera then shot Palasko to death and wounded Koire before ransacking their home. He then fled to Las Vegas in their sedan.

Police say Loera crashed the car into a ditch while attempting to flee from security at a Nevada casino.

Prosecutors say Loera is an unemployed Army deserter. It was unknown if he has an attorney.